Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Informal Workers: Strategies for Survival in Motorcycle Taxi Drivers and Sewing Freelancers

Abstract

This article aimed to describe the adaptation of informal workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Informal workers work without a fixed contract/employer and are not protected by labor law. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to lockdowns and the new normal. Workers need to adapt in order to survive. This article presented the pre-COVID situation and adaptation during the COVID outbreak in two occupational groups: motorcycle racing groups and home sewing workers. Most motorcycle drivers were male, which is the family's main income.

Meanwhile, most home sewing workers were female, working at home and taking care of family members. Both occupational groups had unstable incomes. When there was an outbreak of COVID-19 disease, The motorcycle racing group was able to change its work style to deliver food from an online application. Many sewing freelancers have been laid off from their jobs and are struggling to adapt to online sales despite receiving training on online sales from the government. This was because they were middle-aged and not teach-savvy and were also concerned about their income from online sales.