FAO, ILO urge nations to protect children

Governments need to take measures to protect children from harmful work in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture, say the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). According to a guidance document published jointly by the two UN agencies, almost every country had signed international conventions to protect children, but many had not translated these agreements into national legislation. The document says many children working in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture remained exposed to harsh and hazardous working conditions. It says children may have to dive to unsafe depths – often at night; work long hours in unsanitary processing plants at the risk of contracting infections; or handle toxic chemicals and dangerous equipment or gear, adding that girls working in fish processing depots are also at risk of sexual abuse. The FAO and ILO estimate that around 130 million children work in agriculture, livestock and fisheries – accounting for 60 per cent of child labour worldwide. “There are no aggregate data showing how many children work in fisheries and aquaculture, but case study evidence suggests child labour is a problem, especially in informal small and medium-sized fishing and aquaculture enterprises and in family operations,” it notes. The report stresses that not all fishery activities children engage in are undesirable, some could even be positive for their development. “They can acquire practical and social skills as they learn how to fish, learn how to process fish and sell them in the market,” it states. The FAO and the ILO are urging compliance with international rules to protect children working in the industry. These include the ILO’s Minimum Age Convention and its Worst Forms of Child Labour and Work in Fishing Conventions, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. They point to the importance of occupational safety and health assessments in assessing hazards and specific risks for children. - See more at: http://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2013/06/30/fao-ilo-urge-nations-to-protect-children/#sthash.SFEs20hh.dpuf

Minimum wage: Errant employers told to shift business elsewhere

KUCHING (June 30, 2013): The Sarawak Division of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) said today that any employer who refuse to comply with the National Minimum Wage policy by January next year should consider moving elsewhere outside the country.

"Any employer who cannot comply should close shop and move to North Korea, Zimbabwe or Bangladesh," its secretary Andrew Lo said when commenting on a statement by Human Resources Minister Datuk Richard Riot that the policy would be fully implemented by Jan 1 next year and that employers have until Dec 31 to give their acceptance.

Permanent Government Employees Should Be Made Eligible To Contribute To Socso

GEORGE TOWN, June 19 (Bernama) -- Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) hopes that the government will consider and accept its proposal to make permanent civil servants eligible to contribute to the Social Security Organisation (Socso).

Cuepacs president Datuk Omar Osman said the proposal, which was made after a series of surveys, would be submitted to the Public Service Department for further discussions.

IndustriALL reacts against union-busting of Birleşik Metal-İş in Turkey

Turkish auto parts manufacturer Arobus Argen, and wheel manufacturer Tekersan are breaking national and international labour law by strongly cracking down on workers organizing into the IndustriALL-affiliated Birleşik Metal-İş, including by sacking employees in three factories.

Keeping your employees and yourself safe from the haze

The visibility-impairing smoky haze has descended on Malaysia and people everywhere are feeling its effects. Schools may close, depending on the situation, but workplaces are still going strong, so here are some tips for surviving the hazy days!

Landmark ruling that pregnant women not be denied jobs remains unchallenged

Noorfadilla Ahmad Saikin, 31, and her son Mohd Ismail, 4, outside the courtroom.

PUTRAJAYA: A landmark High Court ruling that denying a woman employment due to pregnancy was unconstitutional, was upheld after the Government withdrew its appeal before the Court of Appeal on Thursday.

Kerajaan tetap teruskan TPP

Datuk Seri Mustapha Mohamed

KUALA LUMPUR - Kerajaan tetap akan meneruskan perjanjian Perkongsian Trans-Pasifik (TPP) walaupun PR tidak bersetuju dan membantah perkara tersebut.

Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri, Datuk Seri Mustapha Mohamed berkata, TPP diteruskan kerana mendapat majoriti penuh daripada badan-badan yang lain.

Menurutnya, sudah menjadi kelaziman dalam sesebuah negara tidak akan mendapat persetujuan penuh untuk membangunkan sesuatu usul.

"Kerajaan ada meminta pandangan dan pendirian daripada badan-badan termasuk Persatuan Pengguna Pulau Pinang (CAP), Majlis Aids Malaysia, Majlis Kanser, BN dan juga PR.

Violence against Guatemalan Trade Unions urgent case for ILO

ILO Governing Body adopts reports of the Committee on Freedom of Association. The Committee on Freedom of Association (CFA) draws special attention to three serious and urgent country cases while noting progress in others.

STOP Precarious Work - IndustriALL Global Union 2013

TPPA tidak realistik untuk Malaysia, kata DPMM

Pelaksanaan Perjanjian Perkongsian Trans-Pasifik (TPPA) akan mengakibatkan Malaysia mengalami kerugian besar kerana negara ini masih lagi mempunyai perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (SME) kata Presiden Dewan Perniagaan Melayu (DPMM). Datuk Syed Ali Mohamed Alattas (gambar) bagaimanapun berkata Malaysia masih boleh mempertimbangkan perjanjian tersebut sekiranya sudah mencapai status negara maju.

"Satu-satunya perkara yang paling penting kita mesti sedar maruah negara kita, bangsa kita, saya khuatir ini penjajahan baru.

"Kita sudah ada perjanjian dengan negara-negara lain. Jangan kita terperangkap dengan agenda luar, kita perlu ada agenda kita," katanya ketika sidang media di Ibu Pejabat DPMM di sini.

Jerebu: Beri keutamaan, keselamatan pekerja

Pengarah Eksekutif Niosh Ir Rosli Hussin mewakili Niosh selepas menandatangani Mou bersama HFEM yang diwakili Halimahtun.

SENAI – Institut Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (Niosh) menggesa majikan untuk memberi keutamaan terhadap kesihatan dan keselamatan pekerja masing-masing sepanjang tempoh jerebu.

Pengerusinya, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye berkata, majikan memainkan peranan penting dalam memastikan kesihatan pekerja mereka terutama pekerja bekerja di luar rumah semasa cuaca berjerebu.

Menurutnya, majikan dinasihat tidak meletak kesihatan pekerja mereka pada risiko dengan membenarkan mereka untuk bekerja di luar rumah.

“Walaupun mereka terpaksa bekerja di luar rumah, pekerja harus disediakan dengan topeng muka yang berkualiti seperti topeng N95,” katanya pada sidang akhbar di sini, semalam.

Lam Thye juga menasihatkan majikan meletakkan kesihatan pekerja mereka sebagai keutamaan dengan mengambil langkah-langkah yang perlu untuk memastikan kesihatan mereka tidak terjejas.

‘All govt agencies must register with Socso’

NEW PROTECTION SCHEME: Riba (second right) explains the new Socso scheme which allows contribution from civil servants employed on a temporary and contract basis beginning June 1 this year. With him (from left) are Hassim, Borhan and Mohd Noh.

KUCHING: All government agencies have been reminded to register with the Social Security Organisation (Socso) to enable them make contributions for their temporary and contract employees.

In a briefing on its new protection scheme yesterday, Socso state director John Riba Marin said under the new scheme enforced beginning of this month, all civil servants employed on a temporary and contract basis earning RM3,000 or less monthly are eligible to contribute to Socso.

DRB HICOM MUST RESPECT THE CITIZENS’ RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN MALAYSIA

Joint  Statement – 25/6/2013

DRB HICOM MUST RESPECT THE CITIZENS’ RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN MALAYSIA

– Stop disciplinary action against workers for exercising their political rights.

We, the undersigned 41 civil society organizations, trade unions and concerned groups, are appalled by the actions of two DRB Hicom companies based in Pekan, namely HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and ISUZU HICOM Malaysia Sdn Bhd for taking disciplinary action against 18 workers who merely exercised their rights (outside working hours), as citizens, to participate in the democratic process.  Pursuant to a decision by the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC), which was also supported by the National Union of Transport Equipment and Allied Industries Workers (NUTEAIW),  to extract commitments on workers' rights from contesting candidates and political parties involved in GE13, workers throughout Malaysia, including in Pekan, met or attempted to meet  contesting candidates from all parties before election day, being on 5/5/2013.

Accordingly, on 3/5/2013, a group of 18 workers submitted the MTUC memorandum to one of the contesting candidates in the Pekan parliamentary constituency, which also happens to be the constituency that the Prime Minister of Malaysia was contesting.

On account of this act, disciplinary action has been initiated by 2  DRB HICOM companies based in Pekan against these 18 workers.

First, HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, which assembles automobiles for Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, has issued show cause letters on  22/5/2013 to 16 workers, and speedily proceeded with the 'Domestic Inquiry' which began on 11/6/2013. At present the Domestic Inquiry is yet to end and there is no decision.

Second, ISUZU HICOM Malaysia Sdn Bhd, that assembles automobiles for Isuzu, also issued show cause letters to 2 workers. They, too, are awaiting the decision of the Domestic Inquiry. Significantly, the workers were NOT allowed the right to be represented by lawyers or representatives of the National Union, only by representatives from the work site committee.

We consider the action taken by the two DRB Hicom companies not only a gross violation of worker rights. It is also a violation of the right of citizens to participate in the democratic process of Malaysia, especially during elections. No employer should have the right to dictate directly or indirectly the political choices, activities and/or actions of their workers, more so outside employment hours. Workers, as citizens, of Malaysia must have the freedom to join and participate in any political party of their choice, offer themselves as candidates if they so wish, and involve themselves in campaigning in general elections.

Hence DRB Hicom's taking disciplinary action against these 18 workers for exercising their rights as citizens in the run-up to GE13, is completely uncalled for. It is a gross violation of the rights of these 18 workers. Under the circumstances, we demand that DRB Hicom stop all disciplinary actions being taken against these 18 workers immediately. If any of these 18 workers have already been terminated,  they should be reinstated immediately.

We understand that the charges leveled against the workers are (1) undermining the image or good name of the company orally, in writing or by action, and (2) bringing about or trying to bring about any form of influence or outside pressure to submit or support any external claim that is related to service be it an individual claim or claims of other employees.

We further understand that the employer DRB Hicom is trying to rationalise its action against the said 18 workers - in seeking a commitment on workers rights from the Pekan parliamentary candidate – by claiming that the workers might have given the 'false impression' that 'the company was involved in politics' which is contrary to the company's stance.

We find such an explanation laughable! Indeed, it is hypocritical given the fact that during the electoral campaign period, on 25/4/2013, the company had encouraged workers to go and meet the Barisan Nasional Paliamentary candidate for Pekan, Mohd Najib Abdul Razak, also the incumbent Prime Minister. Indeed, workers were allowed to go for the meeting during working hours! This event was also highlighted in Najib’s 13^th General Election Pekan Constituency candidate website (http://www.parlimenpekan.com/?p=840), and the posting was entitled ‘Dato’ Sri Najib Beramah Mesra Dengan Warga DRB-Hicom Pekan’(Dato’ Sri Najib Socialize with DRB-Hicom citizenry). Later that very day women workers were also allowed by the company to meet up with Najib’s wife. 

Companies and businesses should never terminate a worker for reasons other than matters that relate to work performance and/or their conduct as a worker save in very exceptional cases, for eg, like when a worker is convicted of a criminal offence.

These 18 workers have families and children, and a termination would cause great hardship to their well-being and livelihood. Amongst the 18 are also trade union leaders, including also the current chairperson of MTUC Pahang Division. We hope that the termination of worker leaders does not occur and that the two DRB HICOM companies are not resorting to ‘union busting’.

We call on DRB Hicom, HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and ISUZU HICOM Malaysia Sdn Bhd to immediately discontinue disciplinary action against the said 18 workers, and if any be already terminated to immediately reinstate them without loss of benefits.

We call on Prime Minister Mohd Najib Abdul Razak, being also the Member of Parliament for Pekan, to intervene and ensure that the rights of his constituents, as workers and as citizens, are not violated by employers.

Charles Hector

Mohd Roszeli bin Majid

Pranom Somwong

For and on behalf the 41 organisations listed below

ALIRAN

Asia  Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development ( APWLD)

Asian Migrant Centre (AMC)

Association of Maybank Executives

Building and Wood Workers International Asia Pacific

Burma Campaign Malaysia

Clean Clothes Campaign

Community Action Network (CAN), Malaysia

Dignity International

Group of Concerned Citizens
Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor

Human Rights Ambassador for Salem News , UK 

Jawatankuasa Sahabat Rakyat (人民之友)

Kesatuan Pekerja-Pekerja Polyplastics Asia Pacific

Kesatuan Sekerja Industri Elektronik Wilayah Selatan Semenanjung Malaysia

Kesatuan Pekerja Pekerja Kelab Semenanjung Malaysia

Legal Aid Commission, Sri Lanka

MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)

Malaysians for Beng Hock

Malaysian Physicians for Social Responsibility

Migrante International

Migrants Rights Council,India

MTUC(Malaysian Trade Union Congress) Melaka

MTUC(Malaysian Trade Union Congress) Pahang

MTUC(Malaysian Trade Union Congress) Penang Division

Network of Action for Migrants in Malaysia(NAMM)

NUBE (National Union of Banking Employees), Malaysia

NUHBRW (National Union of Hotel, Bar and Restaurant Workers), Malaysia

Parti Rakyat Malaysia(PRM)

Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti, Selangor (EMPOWER)

Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan (PERMAS)

Pusat KOMAS (KOMAS)

Sarawak Dayak Iban Association

SUARAM (Suara Rakyat Malaysia)

Tenaganita, Malaysia

Think Centre, Singapore

Tenaga Nasional Berhad Junior Officers Union (TNBJOU), Malaysia

WARBE Development Foundation-Bangladesh

Women's Aid Organisation (WAO), Malaysia

Workers Assistance Center, Inc, Philippines

Workers Hub For Change (WH4C)

For further information and clarification, please contact

Charles Hector (chef@tm.net.my; easytocall@yahoo.com - +6 019 2371 100)

Human Rights Defender and lawyer

Mohd Roszeli bin Majid (roszelimajid@yahoo.com + 6 012 387 4166)

Vice President (Private Sector) Malaysian Trade Union Congress(MTUC), and also the President of the TNB Junior Officers Union

Pranom Somwong (p_somwong@yahoo.com - + 66831887600)

Workers Hub For Change(WH4C), Asia  Pacific  Forum on Women , Law and Development ( APWLD),

ILO Approves New Framework of Action on Social Dialogue

 ILO ofice


  Linda Eroke

Delegates at the just-concluded International Labour Conference (ILC), which took place in Geneva, Switzerland, have agreed on a framework for action to promote and strengthen social dialogue.
The framework was adopted by the Committee for the Recurrent Discussion on Social Dialogue – one of the four committees that met during the ILC – which was made up of government, worker and employer delegates.

MTUC Wants Employers To Provide Free Masks To Workers

PETALING JAYA, June 25 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) today called on all employers to provide free face masks to their workers in view of the worsening haze in the country.

Priority should be given to those working in the field, like the construction, plantation and port workers, said its vice-president, A. Balasubramaniam.

He told Bernama that at present some of the workers were buying their own masks and this was imposing a financial burden on them.

Balasubramaniam, who is also the MTUC's Health and Safety Committee chairman, said the employers should also give due consideration to their employees who were asthmatic or suffering from other respiratory ailments.

He said these categories of workers should be given proper medical assistance or days off depending on the haze situation and their health needs.

He said it was hoped that the government would provide special incentives to encourage employers to ensure the health of their workers during this critical period.

-- BERNAMA http://www.bernama.com.my

Extend stay-home directive to workers, says union

The National Union of Banking Employees (Nube) wants Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to include workers in declaringa state of emergency in Muar and Malacca over the haze crisis.

Beginner’s guide to personal accident insurance

YOU might have heard of personal accident insurance — but is it worth getting one such policy? What differentiates it from Socso and life insurance coverage?

Personal accident (PA) Insurance is an annual policy which provides a lump-sum compensation in the event of injury, disability, or death caused solely by violent, accidental, external, and visible events.

Unlike life insurance (which covers any type of death), PA coverage is completely policy dependent. It pays a benefit due to death — which helps to protect loved ones against the inevitable devastating loss of income that will occur if the policy holder dies unexpectedly.

Premiums for PA policies are also generally cheaper than that for life insurance, due to it being a more restrictive policy.

While PA insurance is a good way to protect your family and dependants; note that it does not cover death by natural causes. If such things concern you, it might be a good idea to augment it with a life insurance policy.

PA Insurance can either be taken for yourself or a group policy for your family; 24-hour worldwide coverage is also provided.

How diferent is it from Socso coverage?

The Social Security Organisation (Socso) in Malaysia provides insurance coverage against job-related injuries and disabilities, workplace accidents, occupational diseases and death.

In short, this scheme only provides protection to employees who suffer from an accident or an occupational disease arising out of, and in the course of, his employment.

It covers accidents while at work, accidents while travelling, accidents during emergency situations, and diseases caused by the nature of work.

One might think that this is enough. However, accidents can happen anywhere and anytime.

While your job-related activities are covered by Socso, payouts such as the disablement benefit and disability pension are limited to under RM3,000 a month. How confident are you that you will remain accident-free elsewhere, or that the sums provided by Socso as being compensation be enough for your dependants? PA Insurance helps to add to that degree of assurance, no matter the place, time, and amount.
Where can I get a PA Insurance?

In the past, PA policies were purchased directly from insurance companies. These days, they underwrite policies which are then distributed by the big banks (many of them being related companies), Pos Malaysia and even telecommunication companies like Maxis, Digi, Celcom, and the Tune Group.

How much does it cost?

The cost of a PA policy depends on several factors such as the length of coverage, compensation, additional coverage on exclusion, your age (the premium can often rise with age), occupation (Class 3 jobs have a higher risk than Class 1 and 2), what activities you normally do, your health history and the number of people who benefit (beneficiaries).
http://www.mmail.com.my

400 big companies to delay minimum wage.

More than 400 big companies have received the green light to postpone the implementation of minimum wage of RM900 a month until Dec 31.

Human Resource Minister Datuk Richard Riot said the postponement was made due to various reasons, including the financial capability of the companies to implement the minimum wage, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak previously.

"Overall, all the private sector agreed and did not protest against the decision of the government to implement minimum wage but they asked for flexibility due to certain reasons.

DRB HICOM MUST RESPECT THE CITIZENS’ RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN MALAYSIA

DRB HICOM MUST RESPECT THE CITIZENS’ RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN MALAYSIA
– Stop disciplinary action against workers for exercising their political rights.

We, the undersigned _____ civil society organizations, trade unions and concerned groups, are appalled by the actions of two DRB Hicom companies based in Pekan, namely Hicom Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Isuzu Hicom Sdn Bhd for taking disciplinary action against 18 workers who merely exercised their rights (outside working hours), as citizens, to participate in the democratic process. Pursuant to a decision by the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC), which was also supported by the National Union of Transport Equipment and Allied Industries Workers (NUTEAIW), to extract commitments on workers' rights from contesting candidates and political parties involved in GE13, workers throughout Malaysia, including in Pekan, met or attempted to meet contesting candidates from all parties before election day.

Accordingly, on 3/5/2013, a group of 18 workers submitted the MTUC memorandum to one of the contesting candidates in the Pekan parliamentary constituency, which also happens to be the constituency that the Prime Minister of Malaysia was contesting.

On account of this act, disciplinary action has been initiated by 2 DRB HICOM companies based in Pekan against these 18 workers.

First, Hicom Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, which assembles automobiles for Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, has issued show cause letters on 22/5/2013 to 16 workers, and speedily proceeded with the 'Domestic Inquiry' which began on 11/6/2013. At present the Domestic Inquiry is yet to end and there is no decision.
Second, Isuzu Hicom Sdn Bhd, that assembles automobiles for Isuzu, also issued show cause letters to 2 workers. They, too, are awaiting the decision of the Domestic Inquiry. Significantly, the workers were NOT allowed the right to be represented by lawyers or representatives of the National Union, only by representatives from the work site committee.

We consider the action taken by the two DRB Hicom companies not only a gross violation of worker rights. It is also a violation of the right of citizens to participate in the democratic process of Malaysia, especially during elections. No employer should have the right to dictate directly or indirectly the political choices, activities and/or actions of their workers, more so outside employment hours. Workers, as citizens, of Malaysia must have the freedom to join and participate in any political party of their choice, offer themselves as candidates if they so wish, and involve themselves in campaigning in general elections.

Hence DRB Hicom's taking disciplinary action against these 18 workers for exercising their rights as citizens in the run-up to GE13, is completely uncalled for. It is a gross violation of the rights of these 18 workers. Under the circumstances, we demand that DRB Hicom stop all disciplinary actions being taken against these 18 workers immediately. If any of these 18 workers have already been terminated, they should be reinstated immediately.

We understand that the charges levelled against the workers are (1) undermining the image or good name of the company orally, in writing or by action, and (2) bringing about or trying to bring about any form of influence or outside pressure to submit or support any external claim that is related to service be it an individual claim or claims of other employees.

We further understand that the employer DRB Hicom is trying to rationalise its action against the said 18 workers - in seeking a commitment on workers rights from the Pekan parliamentary candidate – by claiming that the workers might have given the 'false impression' that 'the company was involved in politics' which is contrary to the company's stance.

We find such an explanation laughable! Indeed, it is hypocritical given the fact that during the electoral campaign period, on 25/4/2013, the company had encouraged workers to go and meet the Barisan Nasional Paliamentary candidate for Pekan, Mohd Najib Abdul Razak, also the incumbent Prime Minister. Indeed, workers were allowed to go for the meeting during working hours! This event was also highlighted in Najib’s 13th General Election Pekan Constituency candidate website (http://www.parlimenpekan.com/?p=840), and the posting was entitled ‘Dato’ Sri Najib Beramah Mesra Dengan Warga DRB-Hicom Pekan’(Dato’ Sri Najib Socialize with DRB-Hicom citizenry). Later that very day women workers were also allowed by the company to meet up with Najib’s wife.

Companies and businesses should never terminate a worker for reasons other than matters that relate to work performance and/or their conduct as a worker save in very exceptional cases, for eg, like when a worker is convicted of a criminal offence.
These 18 workers have families and children, and a termination would cause great hardship to their well-being and livelihood. Amongst the 18 are also trade union leaders, including also the current chairperson of MTUC Pahang Division. We hope that the termination of worker leaders does not occur and that the two DRB HICOM companies are not resorting to ‘union busting’.

We call on DRB Hicom, Hicom Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Isuzu Hicom Sdn Bhd to immediately discontinue disciplinary action against the said 18 workers, and if any be already terminated to immediately reinstate them without loss of benefits.

We call on Prime Minister Mohd Najib Abdul Razak, being also the Member of Parliament for Pekan, to intervene and ensure that the rights of his constituents, as workers and as citizens, are not violated by employers.

copy and send your  endorsemen to chef@tm.net.my / easytocall@yahoo.com.

Penang MTUC wants answers Official: Crucial to strictly observe safety measures and SOP

BUTERWORTH: The bridge ramp collapse in Batu Maung will be classified as an industrial accident, said Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Penang secretary K. Veeriah (pic).

He said the MTUC wanted to know if acceptable safety measures and standard operating procedures (SOP) were strictly observed during the construction process.

He said MTUC was saddened by the incident and sympathised with family members of the victims.

“It is crucial especially in the construction industry for safety measures to be taken seriously.

“We are shocked by recent incidents involving the construction industry.

ILO: Employment, livelihood crucial for peace in Mindanao

DECENT work and sustainable livelihood for some 1.3 million impoverished families in Mindanao is crucial to the government’s peace building efforts, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said.

ILO Philippines Director Lawrence Jeff Johnson made the statement at the signing of the agreement that seeks to create decent jobs for the poor families in conflict-affected provinces in Mindanao between the ILO and the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).

Records indicate that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has the biggest number of vulnerable workers at 84 percent of those employed.

People living below the poverty line in the ARMM reached 1.39 million or more than 218,000 families.

TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) tiada faedah: Pakar ekonomi

Laporan muka depan Sinar Harian, semalam.

SHAH ALAM - Pakar ekonomi menyifatkan perjanjian Perkongsian Trans-Pasifik (TPP) tidak mempunyai kesan positif kepada pengguna sebaliknya hanya memberi beban kewangan kepada golongan berpendapatan rendah.

Pensyarah Ekonomi Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Prof Amir Baharuddin berkata, walaupun perjanjian itu masih belum dimeterai, kerajaan perlu melihat sejauh mana kesan TPP kepada orang ramai sebelum membuat keputusan muktamad.

"Saya tidak nampak perjanjian ini beri sebarang faedah kepada pengguna, malah TPP lebih banyak beri kesan buruk kerana harga barang akan naik. Kerajaan perlu lihat adakah kesan baik lebih banyak dari buruk atau sebaliknya sebelum bersetuju menyertai perjanjian ini," katanya kepada Sinar Harian ketika mengulas sama ada perjanjian TPP akan beri kesan secara langsung kepada golongan berpendapatan rendah jika dilaksanakan.

Unions back EPF plan for seniors

PETALING JAYA (June 18, 2013): The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) welcomed a proposal to raise the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contribution by workers above 55 years of age to 11% for employees and 13% for employers, in tandem with the new retirement age of 60.

17 bosses in Sandakan with unregistered staff, reveals Socso

A total of 17 employers in Sandakan have not registered their employees, in the first five months of this year, reports Bernama. 

Joseph Immanuel, Sandakan branch of the Social Security Organisation (Socso), said of the 17 employers, 12 were charged in court while the rest were slapped with compounds for violating the Employees' Social Security Act 1969.

Immanuel disclosed this when opening a seminar in the Sabah town today. His speech was read by Socso Sandakan office executive officer Sahriah Sennawing.

If convicted, the employers could be jailed for two years or fined up to RM10,000 or both. 

Immanuel said there were 9,709 employers in the Sandakan, Beluran and Kinabatangan districts who had registered with Socso and of this figure, 7,002 were active employers. A total of 100,788 registered employees are working in various sectors in the three districts. ­- Bernama, July 18, 2013.