Workers Anxious Over Potential Pay Cuts from Once-a-Week WFH, Labour Minister Firmly Responds

Workers’ concerns over potential rights violations in the implementation of work-from-home (WFH) as a policy being promoted by the government. Threats such as wage reductions and the ‘no work, no pay’ scheme have become the main focus from worker representatives. They are calling for certainty in protection and stricter field supervision.

Representative of the National Tripartite LKS from the labour union side, Carlos Rajagukguk, conveyed these concerns along with hopes that this policy does not harm workers.

“My concern and our labour unions’ concern is that when work from home occurs, there are indications, for example, of reductions in rights or the implementation of no work no pay, which is thus refuted by this circular letter. This means that when the worker or labourer works from home, all their rights remain guaranteed through this circular letter,” said Carlos during a press conference at the Ministry of Manpower office on Wednesday (1/4/2026).

Therefore, supervision is important to anticipate potential violations that may occur in the future. The role of labour inspectors is deemed crucial so that the rules run according to the established corridor. In addition, collaboration between workers and employers is hoped to strengthen in this momentum of changing work patterns.

“As a representative of the National Tripartite LKS from the worker side, I request that, because we are worried about the possibility of violations in the future, we ask the labour inspectors in this regard to act promptly so that unwanted things do not happen, especially those related to violations of norms,” he said.

The success of implementing this policy does not only depend on supervision, but also on the joint commitment of all parties. The business world and workers are seen as needing to have the same perception to avoid misinterpretations in its implementation. Thus, the policy’s objectives can be achieved without creating new controversies in the field.

“We hope that the implementation of the work-from-home policy in every company does not reduce the rights of workers and labourers, once again, does not reduce the rights of workers and labourers in their workplace. In addition, we hope that this momentum of national work culture transformation can strengthen collaboration between labour unions and employers as well as globally,” said Carlos.

In response, Minister of Manpower (Menaker) Yassierli assured that the government will not remain silent on potential violations. Complaint channels have been prepared to accommodate reports from workers. The government also emphasised its commitment to protecting workers’ rights during the implementation of this policy.

“We convey that the WFH regulation must not reduce employees’ rights. That’s it, Mr Carlos, right? And if it happens, please report it to us. We have the Lapor Menaker channel and then our inspectors will follow up,” said Yassierli.