Members of the independent union and workers at one of largest fast-food restaurant specializing in flame-broiled burger, Burger King, are welcoming more and more secure employment at their restaurant in Indonesia. The wins are the result of Burger King union, who is a member union of IUF affiliated-Federation of Hotel, Restaurant, Plaza, Apartment, Catering, and Tourism Workers’ Free Union (FSPM), commitment in campaigning and advocating for a better and decent jobs in the sector.
Established during COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020, union members realized the importance of their job in keeping people fed during the public health restrictions, thus making them essential. The reality of their importance and skills are not compensated with decent wages and safe workplace, encouraged them form a union to begin advancing their rights.
Education and training on workers rights and trade unionism for Burger King union members.
The use of many precarious workers, in daily and contractual arrangements, making these workers being easily to be laid off. Often fast-food and restaurant workers live under uncertainty while their families are relying fully on them. As members understand about their rights through the education and training provided by FSPM, union is challenging the common system in the sector and making permanent employment as their priority.
Burger King union meeting.
Through secure employment, workers can gain more access to health and employment protection and other rights such as maternity leave that is supposed to be the rights of every women worker.
In 2021, the year after their establishment, union fought for the reinstatement of 11 contract workers whose employment were terminated using the reason of sales and pandemic situations. Negotiations initiated by the union had successfully led to a joint commitment with management to get these 11 workers back to work and appointed as permanent. Especially during that time of crisis, it was difficult to imagine to achieve this kind of win when there is no union.
The union at Burger King continuously showing their commitment by campaigning for more and more. In late 2023, another 20 daily workers secured their permanent employment. The union struggle continues as the management of the globally recognized fast-food chain agrees to have one voice to improve the situations of workers at their restaurant. Other union victory to minimize any termination by negotiating option for 4 union leaders to be transferred to another store when then were stores closures in 2024 become the example. More and more, the union is waiting for another implementation of the commitment.
Union secured an agreement with management.
The success achieved by the Burger King union in Indonesia demonstrates that collectively, through union, a better jobs that lead to a better future for fast-food restaurant workers is possible. A better job where their skills are respected and their importance is recognized.