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Damri drivers burdened by loss of helpers
A mandatory test for Damri bus helpers has left hundreds jobless.
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Buses of state-owned transportation company Damri are parked in Bandung, West Java. (tribunnews.com/Tiah S. M.)
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tate-owned public transportation operator PT Damri held a test for keneks (bus helpers) on June 14 that saw hundreds of them lose their jobs.
“Damri knows all about the role of keneks in helping passengers by carrying baggage and checking tickets. Passengers may also pay these helpers for tickets, even though officially no cash payments are allowed inside the bus,” stated a Damri press release from June 19.
Damri said keneks were not tied to the company, did not work specific hours and were informal workers hired by the drivers.
“Acknowledging the importance of formal employment and the role of helpers, we have organized a test to give helpers the status of formal employees with Damri as part-time or full-time workers,” said the press release.
The restructuring of human resources is deemed important as the company moves toward e-ticketing, and helpers passing the test are to be placed at specific locations in accordance with the company’s needs.
Damri’s move toward e-ticketing follows the example of bus companies in other countries, many of which have embraced e-ticketing and where drivers manage their vehicles without any helpers.
This assumes that passengers take care of their own baggage and check their tickets without the services of helpers.
