Deputy Manpower Minister: Social Dialogue Key to Harmonious Industrial Relations

Deputy Manpower Minister (Wamenaker) Afriansyah Noor has stated that social dialogue plays a crucial role in building harmonious industrial relations. “Social dialogue is the main key in unravelling every dynamic of industrial relations. The government is present to facilitate a constructive and calm discussion space so that the normative rights of workers remain fairly protected,” Afriansyah said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday. He further stated that the government acts as a mediator that opens communication channels for all parties. This approach is expected to maintain a balance between the protection of workers’ rights, business sustainability, and investment climate certainty. Recently, the government facilitated communication between the management of PT Indonesia Epson Industry and the labour union so that any employment issues could be resolved through an open and balanced mechanism. According to Afriansyah, the resolution of industrial relations issues at PT Indonesia Epson Industry was pursued by prioritising deliberation. This approach was chosen so that every issue could be thoroughly understood before appropriate steps were taken. After listening to input from the labour union, the Ministry of Manpower facilitated a meeting bringing together worker representatives and company management. The forum served as a platform for both parties to convey their views while building a more complete understanding of the developing issues. In the dialogue, the labour union conveyed its views regarding the procedures and timeline for union registration. Meanwhile, the management explained that the policies taken were based on the results of a business performance review. Through this series of dialogues, the Ministry of Manpower focused its guidance on improving the quality of communication between workers and management, strengthening sustainable industrial relations, and supervising the implementation of labour norms in accordance with laws and regulations. Deputy Minister Afriansyah Noor expressed hope that the ongoing communication would lead to mutual understanding between workers and management. He noted that resolving various issues would be easier if all parties prioritised dialogue and mutual respect. “With open and respectful communication, it is hoped that solutions can be reached fairly for all parties while realising harmonious, dynamic, and just industrial relations,” Afriansyah said.