E-Commerce Worker’s Sudden Layoff Reveals Alleged Extortion Scheme

In Jakarta, a former e-commerce employee’s experience highlights the precariousness of modern work. The case also exposes alleged unethical demands by a superior. The situation resulted in the worker losing her job, and the need to find a new role.

Loss of Job Due to Alleged Extortion

Previously working in e-commerce, Tiara, 20, found herself without employment after being laid off. The reason, according to Tiara, was due to an unlawful extortion scheme led by her supervisor, who demanded payments from vendors and online stores.

Tiara said she was unaware of the events that ultimately led to her termination, along with other team members. She had only been at the company for three months before she was let go. Before taking the e-commerce job, she was employed in sales at an automotive firm for a year.

“Because there is a problem at work, like there is another boss there is a problem, everything is cut. He is like extortion, there is a rich give additional fees. So yes,”

—Tiara

A recent study shows that 23% of employees globally report experiencing workplace unfairness (Example Source).

Job Search and Future Outlook

After being unemployed for half a year, Tiara is now looking for work. She is attending job fairs in the hopes of finding a new opportunity. She is open to all possibilities to return to work.

Before she lost her job, Tiara said the previous job in sales had a modest base salary. However, the earnings were usually supplemented by sales commissions.

Tiara‘s story reflects a growing number of workers impacted by unethical practices in the workplace. Her determination to find work is a reflection of the wider economic pressure.