The three demands are rejecting the omnibus law on work creation, refusing mass layoffs over the COVID-19 pandemic, and demanding corporations to pay holiday allowance (THR) and full wages to workers.
FSPMI Secretary General Riden Hatam Aziz affirmed that this year's May Day rally was themed "fund for food and health solidarity".
"On Labour Day this year, we did not hold a rally in public places or government buildings. We hold a virtual rally on social media," Aziz noted.
The demands were echoed through online social platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Whatsapp, with hashtags: #TolakOmnibusLaw, #StopPHK dan #LiburkanBuruhDenganUpahTHRPenuh.
Aziz stated that the virtual rally was viewed as an effective medium based on its last week’s experience, when the federation had sent Whatsapp messages to the House Speaker, deputy speaker, head of the Legislative Board, and factions to cancel discussion on the Omnibus Law and focus on the fight against COVID-19.
The message was sent with hashtags #Batalkan Omnibuslaw #Tunda pembahasannya, fokus lawan Covid19.
"That was quite effective, as the legislators responded through their Twitter and IG accounts, saying that the workers' virtual rally was great, solid," he remarked.
The FSPMI has received a report that hundreds of workers were laid off, while some others were furloughed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The federation has recorded that until now, 507 members were laid off, 20 workers got furloughed, and 14 others had their contracts terminated.
"The number is expected to rise," he added. Related news: Govt to materialize three agreements with laborers: Moeldoko
Related news: Nearly half of global workforce facing job loss: ILO
Translator: Laily Rahmawaty, Sri Haryati
Editor: Suharto
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