Gold caddies go on strike in Bogor

JAKARTA (JP): About 220 caddies at Bogor Raya Golf Club (KGBR) course at the elite residential area of Bogor Lake Side went on strike on Sunday demanding an increase in their salaries and better working conditions.

The day-long strike forced golf course management to cancel the club's tournament, which was participated in by 150 members.

Besides demanding the elimination of part-time and full-time status, the caddies also wanted better employment facilities and welfare, and for the KGBR owner to give crystal-clear explanations concerning the cutting of caddy fees from guests.

The caddies also wanted an explanation regarding the change of full-time to part-time status without prior notice, and why the rules seem to be always changing.

Lastly, they demanded compensation for caddies who work on holidays but are not assigned on the golf course.

Munir, a caddy who has been working for four years, said the strike was actually their last option because their employer refused to listen to their demands.

"We went on strike because the owner never paid any attention to our plight. We're fed up," he said.

According to Munir, the owner paid the caddies every two weeks in different amounts depending on how many times the caddy worked on the course.

Usually, a full-time caddy gets Rp 20,000, besides his monthly salary, while a part-timer gets Rp 30,000. Lately, however, part- times are getting only Rp 24,000.

"Where did the money go?" Munir wondered.

Among 220 caddies, he said, there were only 30 full-time caddies who are paid monthly based on the standard regional minimum wage.

The rest, he said, depended on caddy fees and tips.

KGBR owner, George Chandra, said the strike was simply due to miscommunication between him and the employees.

"All the demands will be accommodated," he said.

According to George, the Rp 5,000 cut from the Rp 30,000 received by the part-time caddies was used for their health insurance (Rp 2,000) and bus transportation (Rp 3,000). The other cut of Rp 1,000 had been allocated for the savings of the workers, the businessman said.

George, however, did not explain why the workers weren't made aware of the allocation of their money.

He then promised to pay attention to all of their needs.

"I also promise to pay 50 percent for caddies who work on holidays," he said and received applause from the caddies, who then left the office without willing to go back to work. (21/09)