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?
A number of prominent individuals comprising Professor Puan Maimunah Aminuddin, Professor Nagiah, Professor Balakrishnan, Mr Peter Raj, Mr Fong, Mr. Louis, Mr Alfred, Sdr Jaafar, Sdr Jeyakumar, Sdr Mohd Effendy, En Somasundram and Bro J Solomon met on 19 January 2017 to reflect on the Malaysian TUCs lessons from the past, and renew its commitment and put forth a programmed action in accordance to its aims and objectives.
The opening speech was delivered by Deputy President of Malaysian TUC Sdr. Jaafar, it was a fruitful meeting which gave an opportunity for the new TUC leaders to voice their needs and the pathetic reality of the workers and trade union rights in this country to professionals outside TUC.
The composition of the scientific group are academicians – Professors from leading Universities, Trade Union Leaders, former Industrial Court Chairman and Director General of Industrial Relations, Legal Practitioner, CEO of Alpha International Training and Consultancy Services Sdn Bhd.
This meeting further enabled stakeholders, professionals other than the workers to give their frank views about workers and trade union roles which in reality requires positioning the Labour Centre in the right perspective with the right focus and priorities.
The Union Leaders welcomed all the observations, frank comments and recommendations and realized that the noble work of the Unions have not been appreciated and valued by the public despite their tremendous sacrifices to their struggle for workers.
Having considered all the views which emerged from the caring stakeholders and professionals, the leaders are now ready in setting the preliminary preparation for the imminent proposed National Conference for all key leaders of the TUC affiliates.
The Secretary General of MTUC Bro J Solomon in his closing thanked all present and their valuable contribution and notified that it will be tabled at the coming General Council Meeting on 22 Jan 2017 for its deliberation to benefit the entire population in Malaysia.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com