Denti Tri Cahyani, Mokhamad Sukron

Justice And Accuracy in Wage Payment from the Perspective of Islamic Economic Law: A Study of the Wage System of Rice Dryers in Brebes

Introduction

Justice and accuracy in wage payment from the perspective of islamic economic law: a study of the wage system of rice dryers in brebes. Explore justice & accuracy in wage payment for Brebes rice dryers from an Islamic economic law perspective. Analyzes ujrah principles, piece-rate systems, and payment delays.

Abstract

Wage determination constitutes a fundamental aspect of labor relations, as it concerns the workers’ basic rights to fair compensation for services rendered. Nevertheless, wage systems frequently give rise to disputes, particularly regarding payment delays, unclear nominal values, and inconsistencies with the principle of justice. Such issues are evident in the wage practices of rice-drying laborers in the studied village, where employment agreements are made orally and wage payments depend on the sale of the dried rice. This phenomenon merits scholarly examination from the perspective of Islamic economic law, especially through the concept of ujrah, which emphasizes justice, contractual clarity, and timeliness in wage payment. This study employs a qualitative method with a juridical-empirical approach. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with rice mill owners, paddy owners, and rice-drying workers, complemented by direct field observations. Secondary data were derived from relevant literature on Islamic economic law and fiqh al-mu‘āmalah. The data were analyzed through reduction, presentation, and conclusion-drawing processes based on the principles of wage determination in Islamic law—justice, clarity of contract, mutual consent, and punctual payment. The findings reveal that the rice-drying wage system follows a piece-rate payment model, in which the wage amount is determined by the quantity of rice successfully dried. Payments are generally made after the rice is sold, which occasionally results in delayed disbursement. To mitigate such issues, rice mill owners provide cash advances (kasbon) for workers in urgent need of funds. From the standpoint of Islamic economic law, this practice largely aligns with the principles of contractual transparency and mutual consent, although improvements are needed in ensuring timely wage payment to prevent potential harm to workers.

Review

This paper addresses the critical issue of wage determination and its inherent challenges, particularly concerning fairness, clarity, and timeliness in compensation, using the specific context of rice-drying laborers in Brebes. By examining existing wage practices through the lens of Islamic economic law and the concept of *ujrah*, the study aims to assess the justice and accuracy embedded within this specific labor system. The chosen focus on informal labor arrangements, such as oral agreements and sales-dependent payments, highlights a pertinent area where disputes often arise, making this research timely and relevant for understanding labor dynamics in local economies. Employing a qualitative method with a juridical-empirical approach, the research meticulously gathered primary data through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including rice mill owners, paddy owners, and the rice-drying workers themselves, complemented by direct field observations. Secondary data were drawn from relevant literature on Islamic economic law and *fiqh al-mu‘āmalah*, providing a robust theoretical framework. The data analysis was systematically conducted through reduction, presentation, and conclusion-drawing, guided by core Islamic principles of wage determination: justice, contractual clarity, mutual consent, and punctual payment. The study’s findings reveal a piece-rate payment model linked to the quantity of dried rice, with payments typically disbursed only after the rice is sold, which often leads to delays. To mitigate immediate financial hardship, rice mill owners reportedly provide cash advances (*kasbon*). From the abstract, this study offers a significant contribution by bridging traditional labor practices with an Islamic legal framework, particularly for an under-researched informal sector. Its strength lies in its mixed-methods approach and direct engagement with all parties involved, providing rich, contextual insights. While the study concludes that current practices largely align with contractual transparency and mutual consent from an Islamic perspective, it critically identifies the need for improvements in ensuring timely wage payment to prevent potential harm to workers. This finding underscores a crucial area for practical intervention. The implications extend beyond the immediate context, offering valuable guidance for policymakers, employers, and workers in similar informal sectors to foster more equitable and transparent wage systems in accordance with Islamic economic principles.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.