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?
“If union representation is strong, let it be,” he told reporters
after launching the National Human Resources Summit 2007 at a hotel here on
Monday.
<p>“They can get more than RM900, so why should we determine there should
be that level?” </p>
<p>Dr Fong, who said the companies included those in the plantation and manufacturing
sectors, cited Matsushita as an example of a firm with strong union representation
where workers were in a good position to articulate their needs. </p>
<p>He said a minimum wage would have an impact on companies such as fast food
giants KFC Holdings Bhd and A&W, which employed school leavers. </p>
<p>“Any wage adjustment would affect the whole sector,” he added. </p>
<p>Dr Fong reiterated that the ministry would continue to “engage” the
MTUC on minimum wage, adding it was much more flexible to have a wage council
in every sector. </p>
<p>“We are in the process of engaging with the MTUC. If they feel there is
any particular industry where workers are not paid in accordance to their contribution,
we are ready to move in to form these councils,” he added. </p>
<p>Dr Fong said seven such councils had been formed in the past two years, including
for security guards and clinic assistants. </p>
<p>When asked if maids should be included in minimum wage discussions, he said
the sector should not be “tied together” with other categories because
it would be unfair to the large number of households who needed the services
of the maids. </p>
<p>Earlier in his keynote address, Dr Fong said talent loss remained one of the
most significant issues for organisations, with a survey in the US showing that
60% of workers left their jobs if they were offered better salaries elsewhere.
</p>
<p>“There are signs that members of the Malaysian workforce are being lured
by higher pay and better perks,” he added. </p>
<p>He said that employees were a “resource” that needed to be nurtured
and developed and regarded as business partners in any organisation.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/2/business/20070702183325&sec=business</i></p>
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Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com