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?
The age old myth of working for multinational companies because they “take care” of their workers, must be exposed, says V.Alfred from A.V.Balamohan & Co at the recent launch of +50 USD campaign by MTUC.
He said many employers used scientific management methods on workers.
Workers are made to feel extremely privileged on their birthdays (for example) when someone from management personally wished them.
This “feel-good” emotion is triggered so that the workers feel grateful and appreciated, keeping the morale up without any wage increase.
“Workers continue to work hard for the same pay” and a comprehensive system was needed to gauge and implement minimum wage that provided for decent living of Malaysian citizens because the profits earned by deceiving tactics were exorbitant but wages remained meager.
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Brussels, Human Rights & Trade Union Rights Officer, Monina Wong said the economies of countries in the Asian region are dominated by the rapid growth of extensive global supply chains.
She explained that 60% of global trade (US$20 trillion) is dependent on contracts in supply chains.
However, she added that the reality was that the workers suffered the following discriminations working in a supply chain that churned out large profits?
– Pay below the poverty line
– Informal or temporary work
– Slavery or forced labour
– No guarantee of safe work
In poor countries and developing nations like Malaysia, minimum wage does not meet the needs of workers and their families and unfortunately, minimum wage does not include all types of work – for example in Malaysia, minimum wage does not apply for domestic maids.
There is poor enforcement and in most cases, minimum wage does not take into consideration any social protection of workers or their families.
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