TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi and leaders of several confederations of workers union discussed a number of issues in a closed meeting at the State Palace today.

The labor unions representatives include the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Union (KSPSI) president Andi Gani Nea, the Confederation of Indonesian Prosperity Trade Unions (KSBSI) president Elly Rosita Silaban, and the Confederation of Indonesian Workers Unions (KSPI) president Said Iqbal.

"First, we gave our input on the employment cluster of the omnibus law. We want labor unions to be more actively involved in the discussions," KSPI president Andi Gani Nena Wea said Wednesday, April 22.

According to Andi, the workers' unions have outright rejected the employment cluster of the law. "And the President (Jokowi) listened and responded fairly well. We are just waiting for announcements that may be delivered directly by the President. He will personally convey his decision on the omnibus law," he added.

The meeting also discussed the possible wave of layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "We ask the president to immediately take strategic steps in handling the wave of layoffs and many of the Holiday Allowance (THR) that will not be paid by companies," Andi said.

Lastly, they also touched on the proceedings of the May Day commemoration. Three labor unions had initially planned for a massive demonstration on April 30, involving hundreds of thousands of workers in the capital.

However, the workers union had to reconsider their plan due to the Large-Scale Social Restriction (PSBB) in the capital."We are waiting for the president's announcement tomorrow. After that we will hold a press conference," Andi added.

DEWI NURITA | Translator: DIO SUHENDA (Intern)