900 hotel workers given paid leave during renovation

JAKARTA (JP): As many as 900 out of 1,300 employees working at the Hotel Borobudur Inter-Continental will be sent home with paid leave during the hotel's 14-month renovation program which will take effect on Oct. 16.

Jusuf L. Indradewa, president of PT Jakarta International Hotels & Development (JIHD), the owner of the five-star hotel, said yesterday that during the refurbishment process the company will continue to pay 75 percent of their salaries, plus service charges.

"The employees will still get their health insurance and the company will provide a training course as well," Jusuf said, adding they will be reinstated in their jobs after the renovation is finished.

The renovation project, at a cost of US$65 million, will affect various areas of the hotel including guest rooms, public areas, the business center, restaurants, bars and entertainment facilities.

The largest changes will be in the main building, which is also the heart of the operation, he said.

"The renovation program is to anticipate fiercer competition among luxury hotels in the city," Jusuf said.

Jusuf said that about 75 percent of the hotel's 866 rooms will be closed during the 14-month renovation period. Only the 110 rooms of the Garden Wing Suites will remain open to guests.

Jusuf said JIHD is also offering the employees the option of an accelerated retirement program with separation pay, the amount of which will depend on the length of their employment.

"This is especially for those who have worked for 17 to 20 years," he said.

One of the hotel's workers told the Jakarta Post she accepted the hotel's policy.

"I still get my salary and the hotel allows me to look for another job during those 14 months," she said.

Another worker, however, expressed his disappointment since he will not get his tips during the period.

"My salary is less than tips I get," he said.

Jusuf also explained that the scope of work in the renovation project will cover the replacement of all the systems ranging from air conditioning to water supply and the upgrading of guest rooms.

Other works will include the transformation of the hotel's main entrance, the redesigning of restaurants, bar and entertainment facilities and the improvement of function rooms and the sports facilities.

Upon completion, the hotel is expected to have a new look and improved facilities and services to offer its guests, Jusuf said. (01)