Rising to the Occasion

Bali Tourism Workers Want Minimal Wage Standard to Rise if Fuel Prices Increase

(3/30/2012)

The Bali branch of the Tourism Workers Union (FSP Par-Bali) are urging the President and the Minister of Manpower to make a total revision on provincial minimum wage standards. FSP Par-Bali says such a revision is needed in light of efforts by the government to increase the cost of fuel.

The chairman of FSP Par-Bali, Satyawira Marhaendra, told Beritabali.com on Thursday, March 29, 2012, that a revision of the provincial minimum wage was important because the value of wages paid workers will be diminished by any increase in fuel costs. An increase in fuel costs, he added, would also see the cost of basic commodities rise.

“Without a regulations allowing a change (in the minimum wage) the workers will have to wait until next year for an increase. We need a new regulation issued by the President and the Minister of Manpower in order that with new prices for fuel a revision of the provincial minimum wage for provinces, and for small and medium sized enterprises can also take place,” said Marhaendra.

Satyawira Marhaendra said that any increase in fuel prices is a threat to Indonesian workers because their buying power is certain to decrease. He also said that policies to provide direct cash from the government would not be succesful in providing relief to the general public.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com