Remember to pay X-mas bonus

JAKARTA (JP): The tripartite board, linking representatives of workers, employers and government, yesterday reminded companies of their obligation to pay their Christian workers the 13th month salary, which they are entitled to by regulation.

The Ministry of Manpower requires that the money be paid to employees by the middle of December.

The board also appealed to workers not to resort to strikes if their employers refuse to oblige. "In the event of a problem, you must try to resolve it by means of a dialog with the employers, and failing that, take the matter to the board."

In a move which took many companies by surprise, Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief announced in September that all employers are obliged to pay their workers an extra month's salary before the major religious days. They are Christmas for Christians, Idul Fitri for Moslems, Nyepi for Hindus and Waisak for Buddhists. (emb)