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?
Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) Financial Secretary A. Sivanathan, who
disclosed this Friday, said he was surprised that retrenchment benefits were
not spelt out in their respective Labour Ordinances.
<p>"Both ordinances made some amendments that should be progressive and benefit
workers in Sabah and Sarawak. However, retrenchment benefits that are crucial
as social protection for the workers were not incorporated into the amendments.</p>
<p>"This is something I feel quite unhappy about because I believe it would
be only fair if the said benefits are spelt out in the law considering the workers
have been working for so many years in their respective professions and industries,"
said Sivanathan.</p>
<p>He revealed this to reporters after the signing of a Collective Agreement between
Corporate Dynamics Sdn Bhd (CDSB) and Sabah Water Industry Workers Union (SWIWU),
here.</p>
<p>Sivanathan said the workers need social protection and social justice, particularly
now that the nation will be attaining 50 years of Independence.</p>
<p>"The Employment Act 1955 (Regulation 1990) has termination benefits which
should be incorporated into the amendments to the Sabah and Sarawak Labour Ordinances.</p>
<p>"This is something that is very retrogressive and the Government must
be aware that they owe to the workers such benefits. And the only protection
they can give is to ensure retrenchment benefits are extended to both states,"
he said.</p>
<p>Towards this end, Sivanathan urged the Federal Government to immediately incorporate
the necessary benefits for retrenchment of workers so as to protect and safeguard
the well being of workers in both states.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=49641</i>
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