Garment Workers in Kalasan Protest After Three Months Without Pay

A group of workers from CV Evergreen Buana Prima Sandang staged a demonstration in front of the company. They demanded payment of wages that have been outstanding for three months.

Observations by detikJogja revealed hundreds of workers protesting in front of the company. They wore factory uniforms and carried posters with demands.

The posters read ‘Pay Our Wages’ and ‘We Can’t Be Late for Work, But Wages Are Paid Late’.

One worker, Aveliani Pingky Saputri, stated that salaries for January to March 2026 have not been received, despite previous agreements on payment schedules with management. She noted that the wages workers should receive amount to around Rp 2.6 million per month.

‘We are demanding salaries for January, February, and March because they have not been paid. There was already an agreement, but it has not been realised,’ said Pingky to journalists at the protest site in Kalasan, Sleman, on Monday (30/3/2026).

She explained that under the joint agreement, the company promised to pay THR on 14 March and January wages on 18 March. However, only THR was eventually paid, albeit late.

‘THR was indeed paid, but delayed. For the January wages promised on the 18th, they still haven’t been paid to this day,’ she said.

Pingky mentioned that the total number of affected workers is around 500, mostly contract employees. This situation has made it difficult for the workers to meet daily needs.

‘We still go to work, but there’s no income. It’s very burdensome,’ she said.

In addition to wage issues, the workers complained about BPJS Health and Employment contributions that have not been paid by the company since mid-2025. However, these contributions continue to be deducted from salaries.

‘BPJS has been deducted, but not paid. So many friends can’t get treatment,’ she explained.

She continued that these wage delays are not the first time. Previously, salaries for September to December were also delayed.

‘September was delayed. Then November and December were only paid in January this year,’ she said.

DPD KSPSI DIY Chairman Kirnadi stated that this action is the peak of workers’ disappointment after mediation efforts failed to yield results. He said the company has breached the joint agreement that was signed.

‘The company has signed an agreement to pay THR and wages, but in fact, it has not been implemented,’ said Kirnadi.

According to him, hundreds of workers are affected and have not received wages for three months. Additionally, BPJS contributions have not been paid since July 2025.

‘Around 400 to 500 workers have not been paid for three months, and BPJS since July 2025 has not been paid, so workers cannot access services,’ he said.

He added that reports have been submitted to relevant agencies, but to date, there has been no concrete resolution. The demonstration is described as the last resort to demand workers’ rights.

‘Today is the accumulation of employee disappointment for three months without wage payments, and BPJS since July 2025 not paid,’ he said.

Kirnadi continued that the reason for not paying workers’ wages is due to the company’s financial difficulties. This is based on information he received.

‘The reason is liquidity issues, and they are trying to seek new capital. That’s the information, but I don’t know if it’s true,’ he said.

Meanwhile, there was a closed meeting between worker representatives and company management. In that meeting, no agreement was reached between the workers and management.

Meanwhile, the company side refused to provide further statements. Management, through security personnel, declined to be met.

‘Cannot meet,’ said one of the company’s security guards.