THE ROLE OF THE ALL-INDONESIAN TRADE UNION (SPSI) IN REALIZED WORKERS' WELFARE IN PADANG HILIR DISTRICT, TEBING TINGGI CITY

Abstract

The All-Indonesia Workers Union (Serikat Pekerja Seluruh Indonesia, SPSI) provides factory workers with access to legal protection, rights advocacy, and improved bargaining positions in negotiations with employers. The role of SPSI in monitoring the fulfillment of workers' rights is expected to minimize potential violations by companies, although in practice, violations of workers' rights are still found. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of SPSI in realizing workers’ welfare in Padang Hilir District, Tebing Tinggi City. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. Informants were selected using purposive sampling techniques, consisting of the Chairperson of SPSI Tebing Tinggi City, the Secretary of SPSI Tebing Tinggi City, the Treasurer of SPSI Tebing Tinggi City, the Chairperson of the Work Unit Leadership (PUK) of Padang Hilir District, and workers in Padang Hilir District. Data collection techniques include interviews, observation, documentation, and literature study. The results of this study indicate that SPSI Tebing Tinggi City is able to fulfill its role in providing protection and defending workers’ rights. SPSI guarantees workers’ freedom of association, protects their right to receive decent wages, and promotes the creation of a healthy and safe working environment. SPSI encourages companies to increase wages and carries out negotiations to improve workers’ welfare and to establish work agreements that prioritize workers’ interests. SPSI Tebing Tinggi City effectively fulfills its role as a representative of workers in advocating for their rights, conveying their aspirations to companies, and addressing complaints raised by workers. However, SPSI Tebing Tinggi City has not yet been able to provide training and skills development for its worker members.