Garuda Pilots in Structural Positions; Workers Union Support Full Evaluation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Garuda Indonesia Workers Union (Sekarga) on Friday expressed its utmost support for the State-owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister’s plan to conduct a thorough evaluation of Garuda’s business management, including the series of pilots with structural positions in the company. 

"For the sake of Garuda Indonesia's business continuity going forward, we will be very supportive if the SOE Minister conducts a thorough evaluation," said Garuda’s worker's union branch leader Tomy Tampatty to Tempo on July 22. 

The issue regarding Garuda pilots taking structural management positions was revealed in a hearing with House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VI with Garuda directors on June 30. In the hearing, Commission VI legislator Nyoma Para highlighted the many pilots that are also the company’s VP, senior managers, and managers. 

Sekarga chairperson Dwi Yulianta admitted this fact and said “the positions do not necessarily have to be filled with a person who is a pilot.”

The aspect of cost efficiency is also highlighted in this issue as covering the costs of a person taking up two jobs at once. 

"Another disadvantage is that the company has paid quite a lot of money to educate a pilot to be able to fly an airplane, but in reality, it chooses a structural officer on the ground," said Dwi.

On another note, Dwi said pilots that take on structural positions that should be filled by non-pilots will disrupt the career management of non-pilot employees, which psychologically is feared to create discord between employees. 

JONIANSYAH (CONTRIBUTOR)

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