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 Malaysian Trades Union Congress said it was as it held pickets nationwide
on Monday to press for a minimum wage of RM900 and a RM300 Cola.
<p>But employers are not convinced.</p>
<p>"Is there a trade dispute to begin with? Then if only 1,500 people picketed
from a working population of 10 million, is there really a need for it?"
asked Malaysian Employers Federation President Datuk Azman Shah Harun.</p>
<p>He said employers are bound by collective agreements and contracts signed with
their employees under the Industrial Relations Act.</p>
<p>"If the MTUC or employees have grievances they should speak to the government
and work it out," added Azman.</p>
<p>Commercial Employers Association of Peninsular Malaysia president Dr Michael
Chiam said the MTUC should cite trade disputes before it made such a demand.</p>
<p>"How many trade disputes was it based on? If there is a sizeable number
of workers being denied their rights based on collective agreements and contract
violations, then legislation can be considered," he said.</p>
<p>He said the MTUC should not make these demands just because the civil servants
were getting a pay increase.</p>
<p>"Civil servants do not have a collective agreement."</p>
<p>Going to the streets and picketing was uncalled for, he added.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/National/20070627093248/Article/index_html</i>
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