10 October, 2021IndustriALL’s 3rd Congress in September adopted a resolution in solidarity with its Indonesian affiliates against the controversial Omnibus law on job creation, which has created turbulence since its introduction in January 2020.
Since the Omnibus law was introduced, the sectoral minimum wage is eliminated, an excessive use of outsourcing is allowed, and the nominal severance pay is reduced.
In a letter to the Indonesian President Joko Widodo, IndustriALL calls for the Omnibus law to be cancelled.
IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie says:
“We urge president Joko Widodo to take our message seriously, this demand was a key resolution passed in the IndustriALL third congress on 15 September. More than 3,000 delegates representing 50 million manufacturing workers worldwide unanimously called for the cancellation of Omnibus Law.”
IndustriALL calls on its affiliates to support the campaign by sending the model letters to the Indonesian president and Indonesian embassies.
Indonesian trade unions have been protesting against the Omnibus law for nearly two years.
On 2 September, the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) mobilized thousands of members at 1,000 companies in 24 provinces to against the law. Five IndustriALL affiliates participated in the rallies.
Said Iqbal, National council chairperson of Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers' Union (FSPMI), says:
“We are asking for international support. The Omnibus law is detrimental to workers' constitutional rights and the Indonesian labour movement will continue the fight until the law is repealed.”
Currently, the Indonesian constitutional court has consolidated all six proceedings related to Omnibus Law into one, including three cases filed by KSPI and KSPSI, All Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSBSI) and the National Welfare Movement (GEKANAS).
During court proceedings on 23 September, it was revealed that academics and government agency leaders were not given the Omnibus bill and relevant academic papers during the focus group discussions.
The Omnibus Law has also proved to be a catalyst of change in Indonesia’s political landscape. On 4-5 October, more than 50 federations of trade unions and confederations rejuvenated the Indonesian Labour Party. Said Iqbal was elected as the new party chairperson, the vice president of KSPSI and CEMWU Ferri Nurzali was elected secretary general.