Xmas, Idul Fitri allowance a must: Deputy governor<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor of People's Welfare Affairs
\nDjailani has encouraged all companies operating here to pay this
\nyear's Christmas or Idul Fitri bonuses to their employees
\nregardless of the business climate.<\/p>\n
\"We can fully understand that many companies have been badly
\nhit by the economic crisis which might cause difficulties in even
\nrunning their businesses, let alone paying the annual holiday
\nbonus,\" he said on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\"But we hope employers can still fulfill their obligation.<\/p>\n
\"People are now under great difficulties due to various
\ncrises, so let them enjoy a little happiness during the
\ncelebration.\"<\/p>\n
According to Djailani, companies which cannot provide full
\nbonuses as obliged would not be in violation of any regulation.<\/p>\n
\"It's tolerable,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Based on a Ministry of Manpower 1994 decree on religious
\nholiday bonuses, employers are obliged to pay such bonuses to
\nemployees who have been in their employ for three consecutive
\nmonths or more. An employee is entitled to either a Christmas or
\nIdul Fitri bonus depending upon religion affiliation.<\/p>\n
According to the decree, the minimum bonus for workers
\nemployed for 12 months or more should equal one-month basic
\nsalary plus other standard allowances.<\/p>\n
Workers employed for less than 12 months are entitled to a
\nbonus proportional to the length of employment, it states.<\/p>\n
When asked to comment on the possibility of entrepreneurs
\nrefusing to meet Djailani's call, the head of the labor division
\nof the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta), Surya Tjandra,
\nsaid that such action could be categorized as a crime.<\/p>\n
He acknowledged that violators of the regulation would face
\nonly light punishment. The maximum penalty, he said, is three
\nmonths in jail or a Rp 100,000 fine.<\/p>\n
However, employees could sue companies which fail to pay
\nbonuses, he said.<\/p>\n
But judging by LBH Jakarta's experience, addressing such
\ncomplaints usually met difficulties, Surya added.<\/p>\n
Giving no explanation on the difficulties, he said less than
\none-fifth of 22 cases involving bonus disputes handled by his
\noffice since December last year ended successfully.<\/p>\n
Moreover, companies now have an valid reason -- the prolonged
\neconomic crisis -- to elude their obligation.<\/p>\n
\"What is there to argue about if they say they've been badly
\nhit by the crisis?\" Surya asked.<\/p>\n
Referring to the ministry's decree, Surya said companies which
\nwere unable to pay bonuses could apply for exemption to the
\nministry two months prior to the religious holidays.<\/p>\n
But councilor Nitra Arsyad from Commission E for social
\nwelfare said it would be deplorable if companies refused to pay
\nthe once-in-a-year bonus.<\/p>\n
\"It could prove that the companies' just want to share their
\ndifficulties with their employees, but not the times when they
\nreap big profits,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"Company managements should be aware that employees are their
\nvaluable assets,\" he said.<\/p>\n
A 23-year-old cleaner at City Hall, Rina, said she had no
\ngreat hope of receiving an Idul Fitri bonus this year.<\/p>\n
\"Being still employed by my company is already a lot, much
\nbetter for me,\" said the cleaner whose salary is Rp 150,000
\n(US$20) per month.<\/p>\n
Rina said most of her colleagues shared her opinion. (ind)<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/xmas-idul-fitri-allowance-a-must-deputy-governor-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }