Exploring the Job Insecurity Experiences of Textile Employees Amidst Industry Uncertainty

Abstract

This study aims to explore how textile factory employees perceive and experience job insecurity amid the ongoing uncertainty in the national textile industry through mid-2026. Using a qualitative case study approach with a phenomenological orientation, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six production-line employees, consisting of production operators, quality control staff, and a mechanic, at a garment company in the Bawen industrial area, Semarang Regency. The data were analyzed thematically and triangulated across informants holding different positions. Findings show that job insecurity is experienced as multidimensional, encompassing threats to job continuity as well as to job features such as overtime hours, salary certainty, and benefits. This condition affects employees' daily focus and morale, although its intensity varies across individuals, with personal resources and perceived management openness appearing to buffer the impact. In response, employees develop self-initiated coping strategies, such as saving money and starting small side businesses, while continuing to expect open communication and training from management. These findings offer practical input for human resource management in designing more responsive communication and support strategies during periods of uncertainty, while also enriching organizational behavior literature on job insecurity experiences in labor-intensive manufacturing.