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?
"Trade unions are voluntary organisations and they should be allowed to
decide for themselves how they should prosper.
<p>"It is about time the Government looked at liberalising the Trade Unions
Act 1959. Powers must be given back to the workers for the efficient and responsible
running of unions," he added. </p>
<p>"Increasing the powers of the DGTU would mean the Government would register
and also run trade unions,” he added. </p>
<p>Ponniah was responding to a proposal to amend the Trade Unions Act to give
sweeping powers to the DGTU. The amendment would empower the DGTU to intervene
directly and resolve any long-standing dispute in trade unions. </p>
<p>MTUC deputy secretary-general Abdul Halim Mansor said the DGTU, his department
and the Act should be seen as a guide to assist trade unions facing problems
in the country. </p>
<p>Former DGTU Zulkifli Abdullah, however, welcomed the move, saying it would
deter longstanding disputes such as that faced by the National Union of Bank
Employees. </p>
<p>"During the crisis, my hands were tied. I could not do anything because
there was no provision under which the DGTU could intervene in a stalemate between
opposing forces. </p>
<p>Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn said the draft amendment to
the Act had been circulated to all the relevant parties for their perusal. </p>
<p>"We will continue our dialogue with MTUC, Cuepacs and representatives
of employers so that we can come up with a draft that is acceptable to all parties,”
he said, when met at the Lifelong Learning Book Fair here on Monday.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com