The Indonesian Textile Association (API) has denied allegations that employees who have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus continue to work normally. The General Chair of the API, Jemmy Kartiwa Sastraatmaja even asked the textile labor union to report the company to the association for immediate action.

Jemmy guarantees that all members of the association he leads obey health protocols with discipline in their work. Because, if the spread of the virus continues to soar, entrepreneurs will be even more disadvantaged.

The factory manager also ensures that all employees who come to the office are in good health.

"I don't think it's possible for sick people to be sent to work. Owners are even more stressed if they are positive, the bigger case will eventually harm the company. So I think that the condition is not right, and logically, that doesn't happen," said Jemmy. .

Regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), Jemmy emphasized that textile companies have been required to strictly implement health protocols. It is claimed to have become the commitment of textile entrepreneurs.

According to him, workers have the same right to get health insurance at work.

Kendari, however, until now he admitted that he had not found the following cases. In fact, if it is found that stubborn companies still employ employees who are positive for Covid-19, they can report it to official agencies.

"If the sick condition is forced to work, we may not find it. If there is a company, please report it to Apindo and API so that we will also be reprimanded," he said.

Allegations of positive Covid-19 workers employed by textile companies are said to be afraid of not getting paid if they do not continue to work.

Previously, Chairman of the Federation of Indonesian Union Trade Unions (FSBPI) Dian Septi Trisnanti said that currently many companies were changing their workers' status to contract or piece workers. With the change in status, wages for workers are made in accordance with their daily work attendance.

Furthermore, Dian said that if they did not come to work they were worried that they would not get paid. So, this condition forces workers to continue working even though they are already positive for Covid-19.

"Contract and wholesale workers will be forced to continue working, even if they are sick, for fear of losing their wages. The factory cluster is very aggressive, TGSL workers (textiles, garments, shoes, and leather), in just two weeks in Cakung, Tangerang, Subang, and Solo thousands of our members are exposed," he said.