Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
While most of us can immediately say ‘No’ because money is never enough but with the statistics and real life experiences shared by all the speakers today, it was evident that “the country’s economy was progressive but its wages remains questionable” as described by MTUC Vice President Mr Jeyakumar P. Raman.
A fitting question to reflect on, as unionists commemorate World Day for Decent Work : 7 Oct, and on this occasion the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) announced its full participation in the ‘Global Minimum Wage Campaign – Asia Fights for UD$50’.
This Global Campaign is spearheaded by International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) which was represented by its Human Rights & Trade Union Rights Officer, Monina Wong from ITUC Brussels.
At the Malaysia launch kicked off by ASETUC Secretary General, Datuk Hj Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal, members who were present vowed to fight for the minimum wage to be raised to RM1800 across the country.
Speakers, Azlan Awang from Blindspot, V.Alfred from A.V.Balamohan & Co and YB Dr Ong Kian Ming from Penang Institute Kuala Lumpur, each gave a rousing presentation with information and statistics that describe a different picture.
MTUC Secretary General J.Solomon explained that if the country’s government was endeavoring to strengthen the US economy, than it can viewed as a wealthy nation that can afford to pay a minimum wage of an additional US$50 per week.
This will only raise the minimum wage to RM1800 per month, from the current RM1000.
Stay Tuned here to learn more on what was shared.
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