PRESS STATEMENT - WATER RATE INCREASE IN PENANG
In the space of the last few days statements have been attributed to the Penang chief minister, and the CEO of PBA Jaseni Maidinsa, on the possibilty of water charge rate increase and a statistical analysis of the water consumption trends in Penang, respectively.
The Penang Chief Minister's statement was that the Penang state government is seeking the federal goverment's "blessing" in increasing the water comsumption rates by between 10 to 20% in the state. He seems to justify such an increase on the basis that Penang's water comsumption levy is the lowest in the country.
On the other hand PBA's CEO states that the people of Penang have lowered their water consumption from 291 liters per capita per day in 2010 to 276 liter in 2017. And he states it was because of the imposition of a water conservation surcharge (WCS) imposed on consumers. On this issue it needs to be asked whether it was the WCS that brought down consumption or whether it was as a result of the consumers awareness in reducing water consumption or a combination of the factors in the matter. On both counts it cannot be denied that water consumption, in the state, is on the down ward trend. Given that fact we find it hard to comprehend the state government's proposal to burden Penang water consumers with a 10 to 20% increase in water tariff.
As it is the working population are confronted with ever escalating cost of living and to, further, burden them with an increase in water consumption rates would not only be unjustified but immoral given the Pakatan Harapan's pledge to lighten the economic burden of the people.
MTUC Penang Division, therefore, calls upon the Penang state government to embark on creating greater awareness on conservation of water consumption as opposed to burdening the people of Penang with a 10 to 20% increase in water tariff.
K.Veeriah
Secretary
MTUC Penang Division
16.1.2019
016 4184520
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Hyundai's Chennai plant workers protest over alleged delay in wage pay
A section of workers in Hyundai Motor’s Chennai plant held a one-day token hunger strike on Wednesday, as the wage settlement talks with the management were inconclusive.
The permanent workers, under the recognised union, had earlier decided to stay away from over time operations, and alleged the company was using the trainees to substitute skilled workers.
The United Union of Hyundai Employees (UUHE), the union which had entered into a wage settlement last time, has been in talks with the management for the settlement for the period 2018-2021.
However, the talks remain inconclusive, with the negotiation on the percentage of salary hike yet to see success, said sources from the company on condition of anonymity.
A Hyundai spokesperson refuted the allegation, saying, “At the moment we are engaged in wage negotiations with the recognised union. The talks are at an advanced stage, and are progressing smoothly. The employees, and union have supported the meeting of production targets.”
“At Hyundai Motor India, our production lines are manned by our employees, but we also engage trainees. These trainees are on boarded after they have undergone an intensive one-year training at our plant, under senior supervisors. We do not employ unskilled workers on the production lines,” said the company spokesperson.
Hyundai Motor has over 2,200 permanent workers, around 3,500 trainees and another 5,000 contract workers in the Sriperumbudur facility, they say.
Bukit Kukus - Worksite safety flaws
PRESS RELEASE - MTUC PENANG DIVISION
MTUC Penang Division, in reference to the Penang Chief Minister's statement that the Bukit Kukus landslide was due to "worksite safety flaws" (FMT today) is of the view that it is nothing short of an admission that those hired to undertake the job had disregarded their duty of care in confirming with the threshold safety standards that they were beholden to observe.
The Chief Minister's views, on the issue, seems to be based on the findings of the probe conducted by the Penang Island City Council and that conducted by the Penang Deputy Chief 1. Inspite of such conclusion the Chief Minister says he will wait for the findings of the department of occupational safety and health (DOSH) before making a decision as to whether to retain the existing contractors or not. His position is like saying that I have my doubts with the findings of those I entrusted to investigate the matter!
MTUC Penang Division's stand is simply this- if the Penang Island City Council and the Deputy Chief Minister's finding on the issue at hand is that the contractors had compromised on the worksite safety standards there is no reason for the state to delay appropriate course of action against the current contractors who, obviously, have failed in their responsibilities. With or without a report from DOSH the state must have the courage, and the conviction, to terminate the irresponsible contractors involved.
The Chief Minster has also expressed his hope that the project can continue. Our response to that is this - can the Chief Minister or the state government give an undertaking that there will be no more "worksite safety flaws" if the work is allowed to continue?
On all account it is our view that it would be proper for the state government to act with utmost caution in the matter. Between development and loss of lives please choose the lesser evil.
K.Veeriah
Secretary
MTUC Penang Division
016 4184520
9.1.2019
MTUC Penang Division, in reference to the Penang Chief Minister's statement that the Bukit Kukus landslide was due to "worksite safety flaws" (FMT today) is of the view that it is nothing short of an admission that those hired to undertake the job had disregarded their duty of care in confirming with the threshold safety standards that they were beholden to observe.
The Chief Minister's views, on the issue, seems to be based on the findings of the probe conducted by the Penang Island City Council and that conducted by the Penang Deputy Chief 1. Inspite of such conclusion the Chief Minister says he will wait for the findings of the department of occupational safety and health (DOSH) before making a decision as to whether to retain the existing contractors or not. His position is like saying that I have my doubts with the findings of those I entrusted to investigate the matter!
MTUC Penang Division's stand is simply this- if the Penang Island City Council and the Deputy Chief Minister's finding on the issue at hand is that the contractors had compromised on the worksite safety standards there is no reason for the state to delay appropriate course of action against the current contractors who, obviously, have failed in their responsibilities. With or without a report from DOSH the state must have the courage, and the conviction, to terminate the irresponsible contractors involved.
The Chief Minster has also expressed his hope that the project can continue. Our response to that is this - can the Chief Minister or the state government give an undertaking that there will be no more "worksite safety flaws" if the work is allowed to continue?
On all account it is our view that it would be proper for the state government to act with utmost caution in the matter. Between development and loss of lives please choose the lesser evil.
K.Veeriah
Secretary
MTUC Penang Division
016 4184520
9.1.2019
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