Young Worker Leaders Training: Preparing the Future Generation in CLA Negotiations

A number of young leaders from the PLN Persero Workers Union, SP PJB, and PPIP attended training related to the Collective Labor Agreement (CLA) in Jakarta, from 23 to 25 April 2024. Training like this is not just a transfer of knowledge, but also the formation of character and courage to stand tall in the face of the waves of challenges. Like seeds sown in fertile soil, knowledge of rights and obligations, of negotiation and protection, grew into their strength.

This training is an important bridge that connects idealism with the harsh realities of the world of work, teaching that every detail in the agreement is not just words, but the lifeblood of worker welfare.

The training was participated by 27 participants under the age of 35 in which 7 female and 20 male from the unions in the energy sector. This training aimed to equip them with essential knowledge and skills in Collective Labor Agreements (CLA). The training was also to help young administrators/leaders to better understand the main functions of the main trade unions regarding the right to carry out collective bargaining negotiations, prepare a new collective bargaining and negotiation team that has the knowledge, techniques and skills about the basics of negotiation and the collective bargaining process along with the basic and the legal/regulatory arguments used, as well as equipping participants with deeper knowledge and skills of CLA and its relationship to industrial relations in the workplace.

PSI SEA Communications & Project Coordinator Indah Budiarti said, “It is very important to ensure that young workers are involved in the trade union movement so that they can continue the movement’s work in the future.”

“This training also ensures that they take an important role by providing CLA knowledge and skills so that their working conditions are better and to uphold the union’s rights to CLA,” she continued.

With rapid changes in technology and economic structures, the need to have strong and effective representation in unions is more important than ever. This is not just about upholding existing rights, but also about ensuring that trade unions can adapt and remain relevant in the modern era.

Through interactive sessions and hands-on practice, participants are taught about various aspects of CLA, including effective ways of negotiating, understanding relevant laws, and strategies for dealing with companies. The program will also provide a platform for networking between participants, strengthening solidarity, and raising collective awareness of the issues faced by young workers.

This training received positive responses from various participants. For example, Iqbal Setyo Nugroho from SP PLN, who emphasized the importance of this training not only in the context of wage negotiations or dispute resolution. “By unionizing, we can maintain our mental health because we have a supportive work environment and a safety net to deal with anxiety as workers. The state guarantees our freedom to associate, so we must make the best use of it,” said Iqbal.

Adding to this view, Imelda Karolina Pangaribuan, also from SP PLN, argued that union training was vital for the younger generation. “Many of us still lack awareness or courage to face important issues, and this is our opportunity to be more courageous in voicing our aspirations,” said Imelda.

From PPIP, Nisa Kautsar expressed her commitment to share the knowledge gained with her colleagues at PP UKP. “I will reread the existing CLA of my union to see what else we can improve,” said Nisa, indicating the importance of disseminating knowledge to colleagues.

Moh Dwi Prastiyanto from SP PJB, appreciated the tips and tricks provided in the training. “We learned about the preparations needed before negotiations, effective negotiation techniques, and choosing the right character as a negotiator,” he said.

Dean Maula Salmanudin, from PP-IP, highlighted the importance of this training for the younger generation to continue the union struggle. “This training helps us to achieve sustainable prosperity for workers, families and companies, as well as maintaining harmonious engagement at all levels,” stressed Dean.

Mahanani Tri Wijayanti, also from PPIP added, “This training broadened my understanding of how to negotiate, which will be very useful even in bipartite situations in the unit.”

This training marks an important step in preparing young leaders to face and manage the dynamics of future industrial relations more effectively and strategically.

The training invited two facilitators/trainers from our partner organisation, SPEE-FSPMI, bro Suherman (Chair of Education and Organising Department) and Bro Mahfud Sidik (Advocacy Department).

Indah again said that CLA education is essential for participants to understand its existence which reflects the welfare of workers and its members. The CLA not only regulates rights and obligations, but also emphasizes the importance of the sustainability of trade unions to ensure continued benefits for their members. Apart from that, this education aims to hone participants’ negotiation skills, which is crucial for improving the quality of CLA content.

“With these skills, participants can be more effective in fighting for workers’ rights and ensure that the agreement is always relevant and profitable for all parties,” she stressed.

PSI will further continue in developing capacity building for young leaders in this country in preparing them for the next generation of leadership.