Journal of Law, Administration, and Social Science
Vol 6 No 3 (2026)

Quiet firing as a form of constructive dismissal: Analysis of normative vacuum and protection of the right to decent work in Indonesian Labor Law

Nadhiva Rizky Budhyarto (Universitas Gadjah Mada)



Article Info

Publish Date
16 Jun 2026

Abstract

Quiet firing has emerged as a salient development in modern employment relations. Unlike conventional termination, quiet firing operates through indirect managerial actions that pressure employees to resign, such as exclusion from work activities, restricted promotions, reduced responsibilities, and sustained psychological pressure. Indonesian labor law does not explicitly recognize or regulate this practice. This normative legal study examines whether quiet firing qualifies as constructive dismissal, explores the regulatory vacuum in Indonesian labor law, and assesses its implications for the right to decent work as a human right. Using statutory, conceptual, and comparative approaches, the study finds that quiet firing substantively meets the characteristics of constructive dismissal by creating objectively unacceptable working conditions that induce resignation. The absence of specific regulation generates legal uncertainty and weakens worker protection, including dignity, fair treatment, career development, and mental health. The article proposes recognizing constructive dismissal as a distinct termination category grounded in the ILO Decent Work Agenda (1999), with clear elements, calibrated burden of proof, and remedies (severance, compensation, reinstatement) within Indonesia’s industrial dispute resolution framework.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jolas

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Environmental Science Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Law, Administration, and Social Science merupakan media penyebarluasan hasil penelitian di rumpun ilmu sosial, ilmu politik, dan humaniora. Sub rumpun Ilmu sosial terdiri dari bidang Ilmu Komunikasi, Jurnalistik, Hubungan Masyarakat, Periklanan, Televisi dan Film, Manajemen Komunikasi dan ...