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 workers, many of whom are sole breadwinners, are struggling with their
daily expenses and some have run deep into debt with rental and utility bills
being unpaid for several months.
<p>During this morning’s picket, the workers unfurled banners and chanted
slogans for 45 minutes. Two more pickets are scheduled for their afternoon and
evening breaks.</p>
<p>Timber Employees Union Peninsular Malaysia (TEUPM) general secretary Mohd Khalid
Haji Atan, who was present, claimed the workers were not paid since August and
were made to work overtime.</p>
<p>He also said the company was able to pay off other debts as well as temporary
foreign workers during the past four months.</p>
<p>Negotiations between TEUPM and CHG Plywood resulted in the factory only willing
to pay a half month’s salary by the end of this month.</p>
<p>“How can they only pay half month? Some of these workers only receive
RM600. Furthermore, when school reopens they will be driven further in debt,”
said Khalid adding that the factory claimed that it could not afford to pay
the salaries.</p>
<p><b>Contract breached</b></p>
<p>He said the picket was in accordance with the Industrial Relations Act, adding
that it could escalate into a strike should the company fail to respond positively
to their requests. A report on the matter would be filed by the union with the
relevant authorities soon.</p>
<p>“The contract of service has been broken. According to the law, if a company
fails to pay wages within seven days they need to get permission from the Labour
Office (to delay payment),” said Khalid.</p>
<p>Khalid, who is also the vice-president of Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC)
did not rule out the possibility of the union taking the company to court on
behalf of the factory workers.</p>
<p>Repeated attempts by malaysiakini to contact the managing director of the company,
known only as Francis, were unsuccessful.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com