Mistrust of labor

Mistrust of labor

Why are businessmen so reluctant to allow units of the All Indonesia Workers Association (SPSI) to be established in their companies? This attitude is linked to the basic characteristic, or logic, that is innate in business: to acquire as much profit as possible by keeping production costs, including workers' wages, to a minimum.

In Indonesia is said to be in a phase of early capitalism, with its businesses at the "apex of greediness". Thus generosity -- even towards one's own workers -- is considered foolish. The only way to tame this credo it is by strict implementation of the rules and regulations.

The question then arises: Why does it seem as if the law is not being taken seriously -- assuming that we consider the law to be adequate? It is not possible that, generally speaking, this has something to do with certain benefits enjoyed by the people expected to enforce the regulations. This is what is at present being regarded as the source of our high-cost economy.

As for the union, it seems to lack energy in fighting for workers' rights. Its apathy could have something to do with the fact that it is unwilling and not allowed to have companions so that it continues to hold the monopoly in labor affairs.

-- Republika, Jakarta