Muara Karang Market Employees Sealed Manager’s Office
Reported by Budhi Firmansyah Surapati | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
Due to unclarity of decision on salary in accordance to the Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP), tens of Muara Karang Market employees were holding demonstration in the manager’s office of PT Bumi Sentosa Jaya, Pluit Urban Village, Penjaringan Sub-District, North Jakarta, Monday (4/14). Because of the board of directors did not meet them until 2 PM, the manager’s office was sealed. In addition, the protesters also forced other traders to close down their stalls and join the action.
We don’t get overtime pay. If we were sick and absent, our salary is cut
Demonstration coordinator Onderi (33) said the action is a form of disappointment because all this time they are only being paid for as much as by Rp 1.5 million per month. They even do not get health insurance, social security, and clear provision of working hours. “The current UMP is Rp 2.4 million. We don’t get overtime pay. If we were sick and absent, our salary is cut,” he disclosed.
Moreover, Onderi uttered that the employees have conveyed their demands since a long time ago. Unfortunately, the company never responded it and even had fired two employees after they protested the management about the low salary. “Last time I heard that all employees will be fired. The draft has been prepared, it’s only a matter of time,” he told.
Ahok Responded Residents Demonstration CasuallyMeanwhile, Muara Karang Market Manager, Surjito, claimed that his party cannot take a decision on the demands of the employees. Thus, he will leave this matter to his boss. “We, as the management, are going to meet the board of directors tomorrow to discuss the employees’ demands considering labor policy is the authority of board of directors,” he explained.
According to Surjito, there are 400 kiosks in the market that has width of 3,000 square meters and 8 floors. Total of employees is 38 people and indeed they are only paid for as much as Rp 1.5 million per month. “Since the HRD Director passed away last year, we have not found its successor. We will discuss this matter tomorrow with the board of directors to get things clear,” he stated.
