Viral Wig Factory Strike Over Festive Allowance Payment in Bantul

A viral video shows workers at a factory in Piyungan, Bantul, staging a strike over the management’s policy on festive allowance payments. The District Department of Manpower and Transmigration (Disnakertrans) stated it has met with the company and will oversee the resolution of the matter.

Hundreds of workers at PT Dong Young Tress wig factory staged a demonstration and strike on Friday, starting at 08:00 WIB, held in the factory grounds as a form of protest against management policy regarding the payment of Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR, festive allowance). Based on information gathered, workers objected to the company’s decision to stagger THR payments this year. They demanded that the annual entitlement be paid in full and on time in accordance with applicable labour regulations. In the circulating video, female-dominated workers are seen sitting in the factory area voicing their demands. “We only demand our rights. We need THR to prepare for Eid, so why must it be staggered?” said the X account @merapi_uncover.

Rina Dwi Kumaladewi, Head of Industrial Relations at Disnakertrans Bantul, explained that the factory had met with Disnakertrans Bantul. It turns out the THR payment at the factory uses a staged scheme.

“They (the factory in Piyungan whose workers are on strike over THR) have consulted with us regarding THR payment, and it turns out there is a scheme for the payment,” she said when contacted by journalists.

Additionally, from the meeting it was conveyed that some workers agree and others do not agree with the company’s THR payment scheme. The factory has around 1,600 employees.

“They have 1,600 employees and the scheme proposed by the company has those who agree and those who have not yet agreed,” she said.

For this reason, workers who have not agreed to the THR payment scheme staged a strike this morning. According to Rina, Disnakertrans Bantul is currently working to resolve the problem.

“The process is still ongoing, the company has also consulted with us and we have provided the best solution,” she said.

Rina also noted that the factory remains committed to paying THR to its workers. Disnakertrans Bantul will ensure it oversees the process.

“The company remains committed to paying THR but there is a certain scheme. What is clear is that we will continue to oversee the resolution,” she said.