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?
According to MTUC, minister Dr Fong Chan Onn said he would consider postponing
the bills until after a discussion with major trade unions and private firms.
<p>“He was not combative or defensive,” said MTUC president Syed Shahir
Syed Mohamud who met Fong in Putrajaya today.</p>
<p>However, he added that the minister did not indicate when he would announce
the ministry’s decision.</p>
<p>The Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill and the Industrial Relations (Amendment)
Bill went through its first reading in Parliament on Tuesday.</p>
<p>MTUC leaders voiced their protest yesterday, after a meeting with opposition
MPs in Parliament.</p>
<p>At today’s meeting, Trade Relations Department officials also briefed
MTUC leaders on the Trade Unions Bill, which is usually done before the final
draft of any bill is completed.</p>
<p><b>Several major points</b></p>
<p>Speaking to reporters at the MTUC headquarters in Subang Jaya, Syed Sharir
said there were several major points of contention in the bill.</p>
<p>For example, a provision in the bill allows employers to carry out annual review
of wages within a collective agreement.</p>
<p>“It would jeopardise the welfare of the workers, simply because the review
can be go upward or downward. Although the word ‘may’ was used, it
is a way employers can use to reduce wages,” said Syed.</p>
<p>He added that another provision in the bill restricts the power of the courts
in compensating workers. The provision limits compensation to 24 months in the
case if a worker is retrenched and potential future earnings will not be included.</p>
<p>Syed, however, said MTUC’s main gripe was that they were not consulted
prior to the first draft.</p>
<p>“It is standard practice, not just for MTUC, but for major unions and
employers to be briefed prior to these bills being submitted in Parliament.</p>
<p>“We are not interested in every detail, comma and full stop. The salient
points of the provisions should be circulated to us,” he said.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Syed said MTUC will continue to push for minimum wage, regardless
of whether he remains president or otherwise. MTUC, the country’s largest
trade union, will hold its elections this year.</p>
<p>“They said we have a hidden agenda, but there isn’t. It’s a
very real agenda. Speak to those on the ground who earn less than RM400. It’s
very real for them,” he said.</p>
<p>Last month, MTUC staged a nationwide picket in 14 locations after discussions
with the government on its campaign for a minimum wage of RM900 and cost of
living (Cola) of RM300 for private sector employees came to a deadlock.</p>
<p>The government has argued that a minimum wage will result in competition between
foreign and local workers, and that it would discourage foreign investors from
coming in.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/69627</i>
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com