LEGAL PROTECTION FOR HARVESTING WORKERS WITH A CONTRACT-BASED WORK SYSTEM AT PT. DAYA LABUHAN INDAH IN KABUPATEN LABUHAN BATU (STUDY IN DESA TADUKAN RAGA KECAMATAN STM HILIR)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the legal protection of harvesting workers with a contract-based work system at PT. Daya Labuhan Indah, as well as the factors that cause legal protection for workers to not be optimally implemented and the efforts that workers can make to obtain legal protection. This study uses an empirical legal research method with a qualitative approach. Data were obtained through interviews, observations, and document studies with the company, harvesting workers, and employment agencies. The results show that PT. Daya Labuhan Indah has provided protection to workers through the provision of work tools and personal protective equipment, occupational safety and health supervision, and the implementation of employment relationship provisions. However, this protection is not fully optimal, especially related to the high target of the contract basis which can cause an increase in workers' workload and working hours. Factors that influence the suboptimal protection include high harvest targets, strict standard operating procedures, plantation environmental conditions, and workers' limited understanding of labor rights. Efforts that can be made include increasing workers' understanding, strengthening the role of labor unions, labor supervision, and dispute resolution through industrial relations mechanisms. This research confirms that the implementation of the contract-based system needs to be balanced with the fulfillment of workers' rights and legal protection to ensure welfare and work safety.