Fired workers' families feel the bite of crisis

Fired workers' families feel the bite of crisis

JAKARTA (JP): As the economic abyss is only worsening, life is
increasingly difficult for many people, especially those who have
lost their jobs.

As there has been no sign of when the crisis will end,
bankrupt and financially troubled employers are firing more
employees, adding to the long list of jobless people.

Some people who have become jobless and their dependents share
their experiences with The Jakarta Post.

Agus Haryadi, 38, a state-owned bank employee: Since my
brother lost his job in a private bank two months ago, I have to
spend more money on my family's expenses. Besides, I have to
finance my youngest sister's education after my father retired a
few years ago.

Usually, my brother and I share the burden. But now I have to
shoulder it all, even though my salary is not that much. I have
worked in the bank for about two years, since I graduated from
university. Good positions don't come with just two years of work
experience.

I know it's a crisis but I had never thought that my brother
would lose his job. He had a good position and earned a much
bigger salary than I do.

Now my brother's daily routine revolves around checking every
vacancy ad in the newspapers and writing application letters.
Luckily, he still has enough savings for his own expenses. But if
he's not working soon, he will become my dependent, too.

For the moment, I think I am able to cope with it. But if
prices keep going up, it'll be difficult. My mother has already
complained about high food prices. It means that she will need
more money from me.

It hurts to realize that the Idul Fitri festivity is around
the corner. It means new clothes and lots of food. If things
don't get better soon, where will I get all the money?

Sarifah Sikun Hasanah, 48, a housewife living in Mampang,
South Jakarta: My husband, who had worked for 20 years in an
advertising agency, was fired in June. Since then life has been
difficult for us, especially because prices have skyrocketed
every day.

Now, I sell jamu (traditional herbal medicines) to my
neighbors to support my family. Each package of jamu costs Rp
2500 and I get some profit.

My husband has helped a rice distributor since his dismissal
to support our family of five. Our daughter studies in a private
university and two sons in private high schools.

I have to manage our daily expenses very carefully. No more
unimportant expenses. The children's needs, especially food and
education, are our top priority.

It's hard to earn money nowadays but we're trying to survive.
I just hope the economic crisis will soon be over and the prices
will become more affordable for most people.

Tantri, a private university student: Since my sister was
fired from an airline company in February, it's been very hard
for me to go on with my study at a private university. She's the
one that covers all my expenses. Our parents are already old, I
can't expect them to assist us.

At present, we depend on my sister's severance pay, which is
not very much. But my sister does not want me to quit no matter
what because if things go well, I will graduate sometime next
year.

Now my sister is considering working at home, maybe she will
sell her car to get money to start a business. But I think I
can't solely rely on my sister and I'm thinking of earning money,
maybe my friends and I will open a food stall just like the
artists do.

Karyati, 38, a housewife living in Bendungan Hilir in Central
Jakarta: My husband lost his job as a foreman in a construction
company in January because the company stopped its projects
because of the crisis.

According to the company, my husband was suspended until the
company can resume operations. For that reason, my husband was
not given severance pay. But I think it's only an excuse.

My husband would not wait for nothing and now he has been
employed in a cleaning service company, thanks to his brother's
help. Still his income is not enough for all of us, so I try to
help earn money by washing clothes for those living in boarding
houses nearby. Sometimes, I also sell (traditional) snacks, which
I consign in my neighbor's food stall.

Fortunately, our children are still small and do not need
much besides food and clothes, but, if prices are getting higher
and higher every day, it means that my husband and I have to work
harder.

Herlina, 30, former contract officer at ABN Amro Bank: I was
fired on Sept. 18 without a reason, the company only stated it
could not extend my contract. Under my contract agreement, I
still have to work for another five months. Another officer from
the same department has also been fired.

I was terribly shocked, sad and did not know what to do when
my manager handed the letter of dismissal to me. I never knew
what my mistake was.

That's why I brought my case to the Legal Aid Institute
because I want to defend my rights, the company has to pay me for
the next five months instead of only giving me my September
salary.

Lin Hernowo, 49, a housewife living in Bogor, West Java: As a
mother, it was very sad to see my daughter lose her job in a law
firm in February. She loved her job and she earned good money.
She had supported our family since she started work a couple of
years ago.

Thank God other members of the family have retained their
employment. Otherwise, it would be difficult for us to survive in
this crisis.

But, I worry most about my daughter's condition rather than
her financial support of the family. During the first few months
after losing her job, she was down and lost confidence.

Fortunately, all members of the family and relatives
encouraged her to regain self-confidence. It's not her fault that
she lost her job -- it's the monetary crisis.

Now she has managed to get back on her feet again. She has
started to run a business with some of her friends by opening a
street cafe in Depok close to a university complex.

Heriyanto, 22, a private university student living in Depok:
Everything is difficult now for my family since my father lost
his job as an account executive in an advertising company.

Now my entire family depends on my mother's income. She works
as a teller in a private bank. But, even though my mother is
still working, her salary is barely enough to support the entire
family of four. My sister also studies at a private university.

The first thing my mother did when my father lost his job was
cut our allowances. Now my allowance is only enough for
transport. I can't hang around too much with my friends as I used
to do. I even borrow books, or photocopy them, from my friends
instead of buying new ones.

I feel sorry for my father, he looks unhappy and depressed.
And it's strange to find him watching TV or reading newspapers at
nine in the morning, the time when he is supposed to be in his
office. I don't know what to say to him, I think it's better to
leave him alone. (ste/01)