900 hotel workers given paid leave during renovation

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.
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