TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Management of Indonesia flag carrier Garuda Indonesia expressed concern regarding the statement made by the Garuda Pilot Association (APG) and Garuda Employee Association (Sekarga) in relation to their plan to conduct a strike on the second week of July 2018 if their demands were not met. Nevertheless, the state-owned aviation company continues to appreciate the commitment of its pilots and employees in maintaining smooth operational during the homecoming season.
"[We] should be full of family spirit and forgive each other, especially prior to the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr," said VP Corporate Secretary of PT Garuda Indonesia Hengki Heriandono in a written statement received by Tempo on Thursday, June 14, 2018. Hengki said that the airline management had invited the two associations to conduct discussions in different forums, both formal and informal.
The airline also requested Sekarga and APG to trust the task force, which has been established by the government to conduct mediation to find solutions to the ongoing problems. Hengki hoped that Garuda pilots and staff can continue to work according to their tasks and duties and provide best services to the customers.
"A strike is not a solution, there are other efforts that can be made to achieve an agreement," Hengki said. Hengki added that the management will continue to establish communication with all of its employees, including pilots, cabin crews, and ground staffs.
"The management will take maximum effort so that services to Garuda Indonesia customers will not be hampered and to assure operational smoothness," Hengki said.
CAESAR AKBAR