Firms neglect to pay holiday bonuses<\/p>\n
Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post\/Makassar<\/p>\n
Lukman's hopes of celebrating the Idul Fitri holiday have been
\ndashed after his company PT SGP decided not to pay Idul Fitri
\nbonuses.<\/p>\n
The 28-year old worker has no idea why his company has
\nnot paid the bonuses. \"There is no explanation from the company
\neven though Idul Fitri is only five days away,\" said Lukman, an
\nemployee of the timber company.<\/p>\n
Lukman was disappointed as he had planned to purchase clothes
\nand household equipment for his loved ones to be used on the
\nspecial day.<\/p>\n
If he were to rely on his salary, it would be not enough
\nbecause it is barely enough to make ends meet after the fuel
\nprice hike.<\/p>\n
\"I was really counting on the bonus to celebrate Idul Fitri,
\nbut what can I say,\" said the father of one.<\/p>\n
Similarly, Vina, an employee of PT SM, a chocolate processing
\nfactory, also said she had not received an Idul Fitri bonus
\nalthough her company had earlier promised to pay the equivalent
\nof one month's salary.<\/p>\n
Vina, however, said it was understandable because the company
\nhad faced financial difficulties since the government raised fuel
\nprices.<\/p>\n
The rising fuel prices had jacked up production costs, making
\nit difficult for the company to cover its overhead costs. The
\ncompany has even suspended several employees.<\/p>\n
\"Hopes are still high that we will be given the Idul Fitri
\nbonus, moreover, currently we are spending a lot of money to
\ncover Idul Fitri expenses. But it is disappointing,\" said Vina.<\/p>\n
Candrayana, the director of timber company PT Kahutindo, said
\nthe fuel price hike had increased operational costs such as the
\ntransportation. \"While the operational cost is on the rise,
\npeople's purchasing power is declining, resulting in less timber
\nsold,\" said Candrayana.<\/p>\n
If the fuel price is increased yet again by the government,
\nthe company will surely lay off its employees, said Candrayana.<\/p>\n
PT Kahutindo is just one among many companies in Makassar
\nwhich have not paid the bonuses on the back of fuel price hike.<\/p>\n
The government itself cannot do anything to resolve the
\nproblem as paying Idul Fitri bonuses is voluntary, meaning that
\nthe companies are not obliged to pay the bonuses if they are not
\nfinancially sound, said chief of Makassar Manpower Office, Baso
\nBachtiar.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/firms-neglect-to-pay-holiday-bonuses-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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