skip to main content

Balancing Corporate Rescue and Workers' Protection in Pandemic Crises: Lessons from Selected European Countries

*Budi Santoso scopus  -  Faculty of Law, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia
Umi Khaerah Pati orcid scopus  -  Faculty of Law, Universitas Sebelas Maret; Faculty of Law, Monash University, Australia
Open Access Copyright 2024 LAW REFORM under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.

Citation Format:
Abstract

Pandemics, one of the causes of economic crises, have led to the worst global catastrophe in a century. During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous businesses exercised caution in financial investments and commercial activities to protect productivity and finances. As a result, these companies have progressively reorganized as a proactive strategy, often to reduce production costs and labor expenditures. This study aimed to analyze the balance of interests between corporate rescue and workers’ protection during pandemic crises within the framework of best practice regulations in selected EU countries. It also seeks to create a pandemic-preparedness model for companies and workers. The study reveals that wage subsidies (WS) can directly support workers, assess market demand, and reduce turnover due to COVID-19 or the implementation of large-scale social restrictions (PSBB). The Job Loss Security Program (JKP) in Indonesia has allowed for furloughs, providing laid-off workers with monetary benefits and training. Indonesia could consider integrating the WS and furlough systems, enabling firms and individuals to continue working with subsidies or to take temporary or full layoffs with benefits during crises.

Fulltext View|Download
Keywords: Corporate Rescue; Pandemic Crises; Workers’s Protection

Article Metrics:

  1. Kusumaweningrat, Adijoyo S. (2021). Perlindungan Hukum kepada Pekerja yang Terkena PHK Akibat dari Pandemi Covid–19 (Studi Kasus di Hotel X Kabupaten Garut). JRIH: Jurnal Riset Ilmu Hukum, Vol.1,(No.2),pp.80-85. https://doi.org/10.29313/jrih.v1i2.445
  2. Aiyar, Shekar., & Dao, Mai Chi. (2021). The Effectiveness of Job-Retention Schemes: COVID-19 Evidence From the German States. IMF Working Papers, Vol.2021, Issue242. https://doi.org/10.5089/9781513596174.001
  3. Albertini, Julien., Fairise, Xavier., & Terriau, Anthony. (2020). Unemployment Insurance, Recalls and Experience Rating. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3589296
  4. Amri, Lala Hucadinota Ainul., & Amri, Whan Augustin Ainul. (2021). Ekplorasi Penyaluran Bantuan Subsidi Upah (BSU) Tenaga Kependidikan Non PNS Selama Pandemi COVID-19. Jurnal Manajemen Strategi Dan Aplikasi Bisnis, Vol.4,(No.1). DOI: 10.36407/jmsab.v4i1.297
  5. Anugerah, Adhe Rizky., Muttaqin, Prafajar Suksessanno., & Purnama, Dwi Adi. (2021). Effect of large-scale social restriction (PSBB) during COVID-19 on outdoor air quality: Evidence from five cities in DKI Jakarta Province, Indonesia. Environmental Research, Vol.197. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.111164
  6. Balleer, Almut., Gehrke, Britta., Lechthaler, Wolfgang., & Merkl, Christian. (2016). Does short-time work save jobs? A business cycle analysis. European Economic Review,Vol.84,pp.99–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroecorev.2015.05.007
  7. Behera, Harendra., Gunadi, Iman., & Rath, Badri Narayan. (2023). COVID-19 Uncertainty, Financial Markets and Monetary Policy Effects in Case of Two Emerging Asian Countries. Economic Analysis and Policy, Vol.78, pp.173-189. DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2023.03.001
  8. Bianti, G. (2023). Pelaksanaan Eksekusi Putusan Arbitrase Internasional Yang Berpotensi Menghambat Kegiatan Investasi Asing Di Indonesia. CREPIDO, Vol.5, (No.1), pp.64-78. https://doi.org/10.14710/crepido.5.1.64-78
  9. Blazy, Régis., & Nigam, Nirjhar. (2019). Corporate Insolvency Procedures in England: The Uneasy Case for Liquidations. European Journal of Law and Economics, Vol.47,(No.1),pp.89–123. DOI: 10.1007/s10657-018-9599-2
  10. Blazy, Régis., & Stef, Nicolae. (2020). Bankruptcy Procedures in the Post-Transition Economies. European Journal of Law and Economics, Vol.50,(No.1),pp.7–64. DOI: 10.1007/s10657-019-09634-5
  11. Blumkin, Tomer., Pinhas, Haim., & Zultan, Ro'i. (2020). Wage Subsidies and Fair Wages. European Economic Review, Vol.127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroecorev.2020.103497
  12. Boeri, Tito., & Bruecker, Herbert. (2011). Short-time work benefits revisited: Some lessons from the Great Recession. Economic Policy,Vol.26,(No.68). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0327.2011.271.x
  13. Brockner, Joel., & Wiesenfeld, Batia M. (1996). An integrative framework for explaining reactions to decisions: Interactive effects of outcomes and procedures. Psychological Bulletin,Vol.120,(No.2),pp.189–208. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.120.2. 189
  14. Budiarto, Yohanes., & Wardani, Rani Puspita. (2005). Peran Keadilan Distributif, Keadilan Prosedural, dan Keadilan Interaksional Perusahaan Terhadap Komitmen Karyawan Pada Perusahaan. Jurnal Psikologi,Vol.3,(No.2),p.110. https://www.esaunggul.ac.id/wp-content/ uploads/2018/09/UEU-Journal-4969-YohanesBudiartoRaniPuspitaWardani.pdf
  15. Burgess, Paul L., & Low, Stuart A. (1998). How Do Unemployment Insurance And Recall Expectations Affect On-The-Job Search Among Workers Who Receive Advance Notice Of Layoff? Industrial and Labor Relations Review, Vol.51, (No.2). https://doi.org/10.1177/001979399805100205
  16. Demary, Markus., Hasenclever, Stefan., & Hüther, Michael. (2021). Why the COVID-19 Pandemic Could Increase the Corporate Saving Trend in the Long Run. Intereconomics, Vol.56, (No.1), pp.40–44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10272-021-0949-x
  17. Drahokoupil, Jan., & Müller, Torsten. (2021). Job retention schemes in Europe: a lifeline during the Covid-19 pandemic. ETUI Research Paper - Working Paper 2021.07. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3931230
  18. Dullien, Sebastian., & Fichtner, Ferdinand. (2013). A Common Unemployment Insurance System For The Euro Area. DIW Economic Bulletin, Vol.3, Issue 1, pp.9-14. https://econpapers.repec.org/article/diwdiwdeb/2013-1-2.htm
  19. Ebbinghaus, Bernhard.,& Lehner, Lukas. (2022). Cui Bono – Business or Labour? Job Retention Policies during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Europe. European Review of Labour and Research, Vol.28,(No.1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10242589221079151
  20. Efendi, Ferry., Chen, Ching Min., Kurniati, Anna., Arief, Yuni Sufyanti., & Ogawa, Reiko. (2022). The course of broken dreams: The expectations and realities of the life of Indonesian nurses as care workers in Japan. Collegian, Vol.25, (No.5). DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2022.04.002
  21. Eisenberger, Robert., Armeli, Stephen., Rexwinkel, Barbara., Lynch, Patrick D., & Rhoades, Linda. (2001). Reciprocation of perceived organizational support. Journal of Applied Psychology,Vol.86,(No.1),pp. 42–51. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010. 86.1.42
  22. Endo, Hideaki., & Goto, Mika. (2024). The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the management of private railway companies in Japan: Profitability and business model analyses. Transport Policy, Vol.147, pp.32–49. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2023.09.017
  23. Falato, Antonio., Goldstein, Itay., & Hortaçsu, Ali. (2021). Financial fragility in the COVID-19 crisis: The case of investment funds in corporate bond markets. Journal of Monetary Economics, Vol.123,pp. 35–52. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmoneco.2021.07.001
  24. Gamal, Ahmad., Rohmah, Lailatul., & Muhyi, Mahdaniar Maulidini. (2023). Housing preference shifting during COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Journal of Urban Management, Vol.12, (No.3), pp.268-283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jum.2023.05.002
  25. García-Pérez-de-Lema, Domingo., Madrid-Guijarro, Antonia., & Duréndez, Antonio. (2022). Operating, financial and investment impacts of Covid-19 in SMEs: Public policy demands to sustainable recovery considering the economic sector moderating effect. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, Vol.75. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.102951
  26. Harahap, Muslim., Pratitis, Sugih Ayu., & Sitorus, Andi Putra. (2022). Aspek Hukum Ketenagakerjaan Terhadap Jaminan Hak Kehilangan Pekerjaan Berdasarkan UU No. 11 Tahun 2020 Tentang Cipta Kerja. Law Jurnal,Vol.2,(No.2). https://doi.org/10.46576/lj.v2i2.1813
  27. Hardy, Wojciech., Kiełczewska, Aneta., Lewandowski, Piotr., & Magda, Iga. (2018). Job Retention among Older Workers in Central and Eastern Europe. Baltic Journal of Economics, Vol.18,(No.2),pp.69–94. DOI: 10.1080/1406099X.2018.1514562
  28. Hemmington, Nigel., & Neill, Lindsay. (2022). Hospitality business longevity under COVID-19: The impact of COVID-19 on New Zealand’s hospitality industry. Tourism and Hospitality Research, Vol.22, (No.1), pp.102–114. https://doi.org/10.1177/1467358421993875
  29. Huang, Jun., Kombate, Bienmali., Li, Yun., Kouadio, Konan Richard., & Xie, Peijun. (2023). Effective risk management in the shadow of COVID-19 pandemic: The evidence of Indonesian listed corporations. Heliyon,Vol.9,(No.5). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15744
  30. Huffman, Ann Hergatt., Albritton, M. David., Matthews, Russell A., Muse, Lori A., & Howes, Satoris S. (2022). Managing Furloughs: How Furlough Policy and Perceptions of Fairness Impact Turnover Intentions over Time. International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol.33,(No.14),pp.2801–2828. DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2021.1879207
  31. Jacobson, Tor., & Von Schedvin, Eric. (2015). Trade credit and the propagation of corporate failure: an empirical analysis. Econometrica, Vol.83,(No.4),pp.1315-1371. https://doi.org/10.3982/ECTA12148
  32. Jurajda, Š. (2004). Recalls and unemployment insurance taxes. Applied Economics Letters,Vol.11,(No.10). https://doi.org/10.1080/1350485042000238861
  33. Kosieradzka, Anna., Smagowicz, Justyna., & Szwed, Cezary. (2022). Ensuring the business continuity of production companies in conditions of COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, Vol.72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.102863
  34. Kennedy, R. (2020). Legal Discourse on Manpower During COVID-19 Outbreak. Law Reform, Vol.16, (No.1), pp.70-86. https://doi.org/10.14710/lr.v16i1.30306
  35. Kunt, A. Demirgüç. (2024). Protect incomes or protect jobs? The role of social policies in post-pandemic recovery. World Development, Vol.182, (No3). https://doi. org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2024.106672
  36. Lee, Sooho., & Sanders, Robert Mark. (2013). Fridays Are Furlough Days: The Impact of Furlough Policy and Strategies for Human Resource Management During a Severe Economic Recession. Review of Public Personnel Administration, Vol.33, (No.3), pp.299–311. DOI: 10.1177/0734371X13477426
  37. Mahfud, Muh Afif., Wibawa, Kadek Cahya Susila., ALW, Lita Tyesta., & Saraswati, Retno. (2022). The Fulfillment of Rights to Citizenship for Migrant Worker Deportees in Nunukan District. Law Reform, Vol.18,(No.1),pp.1-15. https://doi.org/10.14710/lr.v18i1.44655
  38. Maré, David C., & Hyslop, Dean R. (2021). COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Support and Effects. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3547767
  39. Mayhew, Ken., & Anand, Paul. (2020). COVID-19 and the UK labour market. Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Vol.36. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxrep/graa017
  40. Moizard, N. (2020). COVID-19 and Labour Law: France. Italia Labour Law, Vol.13,(No1). https://doi.org/10.6092/10782
  41. Mustamu, Julista., & Bakarbessy, Andress D. (2020). Optimizing Health Protocol Enforcement during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Law Reform, Vol.16, (No.2), pp.243-263. DOI: 10.14710/lr.v16i2.33775
  42. Pavlopoulos, Dimitris., & Chkalova, Katja. (2022). Short-time work: A bridge to employment security or a springboard to unemployment? Economic and Industrial Democracy, Vol.43, (No.1), pp.168–197. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831X19890674
  43. Ponikvar, Nina., Kejžar, Katja Zajc., & Peljhan, Darja. (2018). The Role of Financial Constraints for Alternative Firm Exit Modes. Small Business Economics, Vol.51, (No.1), pp.85–103.DOI: 10.1007/s11187-017-9918-y
  44. Pronello, C. (2023). COVID-19 and low-cost bus companies in Europe: before and during pandemic crisis strategies and customer perceptions. Transportation Research Procedia,Vol.72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2023.11.538
  45. Ragiliawan, Zellius., & Gunawan, Beni Teguh. (2021). Jaminan Kehilangan Pekerjaan (JKP) Dalam Perspektif Belanja Negara. Jurnal Ketenagakerjaan, Vol.16, (No.1). https://doi.org/10.47198/naker.v16i1.89
  46. Rayment, A. (2020). Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: maximising the prospects of a successful claim. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing,Vol.9,(No.4). https://doi.org/10.12968/joan.2020.9.4.175
  47. Reilly, Peter A. (1998). Balancing Flexibility—Meeting the Interests of Employer and Employee. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, Vol.7, (No.1), pp.7–22. DOI: 10.1080/135943298398934
  48. Rosenberg, B. (2020). Support for Workers in the Covid-19 Emergency. Policy Quarterly, Vol.16,(No.3). https://doi.org/10.26686/pq.v16i3.6559
  49. Setyorini, Betty Y. (2021). The Problems of Compensation Employement Termination Due to Covid-19. Rechtsidee, Vol.9. https://doi.org/10.21070/jihr.v9i0.718
  50. Setyorini, Dwi., Swarnata, Arya., Bella, Adrianna., Melinda, Gea., Dartanto, Teguh., & Kusnadi, Gita.(2024). Social isolation, economic downturn, and mental health: An empirical evidence from COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Mental Health and Prevention,Vol.33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhp.2023.200306
  51. Stef, Nicolae., & Bissieux, Jean-Joachim. (2022). Resolution of corporate insolvency during COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence from France. International Review of Law and Economics,Vol.70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irle.2022.106063
  52. Stuart, Mark., Spencer, David A., McLachlan, Christopher J., & Forde, Chris. (2021). COVID-19 and the uncertain future of HRM: Furlough, job retention and reform. Human Resource Management Journal, Vol.31,Issue4. https://doi.org/10.1111/1748-8583.12395
  53. Sugianto, Ira Margaritha., Pujawan, I Nyoman Pujawan., & Purnomo, Jerry Dwi Trijoyo. (2023). A Study of the Indonesian Trucking Business: Survival Framework for Land Transport during the Covid-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction,Vol.84. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103451
  54. Syahputra, Alfin Reza., & Munandar, Adis Imam. (2021). The Hike in BPJS Kesehatan’s Premiums based on The principle of Justice in Service Regulation of Healthcare Insurance. Law Reform, Vol.17, (No.1), pp.1-12. https://doi.org/10.14710/lr.v17i1.37548
  55. Syahrial. (2020). Dampak Covid-19 Terhadap Tenaga Kerja Di Indonesia. Jurnal Ners, Vol.4,(No.2). https://doi.org/10.31004/jn.v4i2.1022
  56. Tuti, Retnowati WD., Nurmandi, Achmad., & Az Zahra, Abitassha. (2022). Handling COVID-19 in the capital city of Jakarta with innovation policy: the scale of social restrictions policy. Heliyon, Vol.8,(No5). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09467
  57. Wardiono, Kelik., Dimyati, Khudzaifah., Nugroho, Sigit Sapto., Nugroho, Heru., Acob, Joel Rey., & Budiono, Arief. (2021). Philosophy, law, and ethics of handling covid-19 pandemic in indonesia. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, Vol.9,pp1104–1108. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021.7107
  58. Wiryadi, Kania Jennifer., & Novendra, Bayu. (2021). Jaminan Kehilangan Pekerjaan Dampak Pandemi Covid-19 : Pengaturan, Manfaat , dan Perbandingannya dengan Negara Lain. Jurnal Negara Hukum, Vol.12,(No.1). https://garuda.kemdikbud.go.id/documents/detail/2098691
  59. Wong, Jilnaught., & Wong, Norman. (2021). The Economics and Accounting for COVID-19 Wage Subsidy and Other Government Grants. Pacific Accounting Review, Vol.33,(No.2). DOI: 10.1108/PAR-10-2020-0189
  60. Butler, Richard J. (1999). Unemployement Insurance. In Richard J. Butler, The Economics of Social Insurance and Employee Benefits. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4927-7_9
  61. Demmou, L. (2022). Insolvency and Debt Overhang Following the COVID-19 Outbreak: Assessment of Risks and Policy Responses (OECD),Vol.97. Retrieved from https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/
  62. Epaulard, A. (2020). Les Défaillances D′entreprises Dans La Crise Covid-19: Zombification Ou Mise En Hibernation?” Point de Vue. Retrieved from https://www.strategie.gouv.fr/point-de-vue/
  63. Eichhorst, Werner., Marx, Paul., Rinne, Ulf., & Brunner, Johannes. (2022). Job Retention Schemes during COVID-19: A Review of Policy Responses. Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/publications/job-retention-schemes-during-covid-19-review-policy-responses
  64. Hensvik, Sweden Lena., & Skans, Oscar Nordström. (2020). IZA COVID-19 Crisis Response Monitoring. Sweden (October 2020). Retrieved from https://www.iza.org/ wc/files/downloads/iza__crisismonitor_countryreport_se_202010.pdf
  65. HMRC. (2021). Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: March 2021. Gov.Uk, July, 1–22. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme-statistics-march-2021/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme-statistics-march-2021#employments-furloughed-over-time-by-industry
  66. Ma’arif, N. (2020). 9,77 Juta Orang Kena PHK, MPR Soroti SDM dan Literasi Teknologi. Retrieved from https://news.detik.com/ berita/d-5278957/9-77-juta-orang-kena-phk-mpr-soroti-sdm-dan-literasi-teknologi
  67. Regulation of the Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia Number 14 of 2020 concerning Guidelines for Giving. (2020). (testimony of Minister of Manpower)
  68. Regulation of the Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia Number 16 of 2021 concerning Amendments to Regulation of the Minister of Manpower Number 14 of 2020 concerning Guidelines for Providing Government Assistance in the Form of Salary/Wage Su. (2021). (testimony of Minister of Manpower)

Last update:

No citation recorded.

Last update: 2024-09-26 21:15:33

No citation recorded.