tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78375437288229573142024-03-19T16:48:20.155+08:00LABOUR BULLETIN A worldwide virtual community of workers, union members, leaders and activists coming together in support of ALL labor. salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.comBlogger1879125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-12987478666980778482022-08-25T00:36:00.001+08:002022-08-25T00:36:11.517+08:00Amendments To The Employment Act, 1955 - Reduction Of Weekly Working Hours To 45 Hours<p>Amendments To The Employment Act, 1955 - Reduction Of Weekly Working Hours To 45 Hours</p><p>It has been brought to the attention of MTUC Penang Division, that the Jabatan Tenaga Kerja(JTK) Ministry Of Human Resources is advising employers that they can EXCLUDE meal breaks in determining the reduced weekly working hours of 45 hours pursuant to the amended Section 60A of the Employment Act, 1955 which comes into force effective 1.9.2022.</p><p>In essence what the JTK is misrepresenting is that the current working hours, of 48 hours per week be maintained just by a sledge of hand in deducting the meal breaks of 45 minutes in the aggregate whereas the intention of Parliament, as we are given to believe, is to reduce the absolute weekly working hours to 45 hours. </p><p>Having regards to the provisions of Section 60A of the Employment Act, 1955, it is our considered opinion that, nowhere, in the said section is there an explicit provision that EXCLUDES meal breaks in determining the weekly working hours of workers. On the contrary Section 60A(1)(d)(ii) of the Employment Act, 1955 in no uncertain language provides that :-</p><p>"an employee who is engaged in work which must be carried on continuously and which requires his continued attendance may be required to work for eight continuous hours INCLUSIVE of a period or periods of not less than forty-five minutes in the aggregate to have a MEAL".</p><p>(INCLUSIVE and MEAL in capital ours)</p><p>Given the indisputable fact that workers are engaged, by the very nature of their employment in work which must be carried on continuously and requiring their continued attendance (as an appropriate example workers required to work on rotating shifts and in assembly lines) there can be no other interpretation save that a 45 minutes break, to enable them to have a MEAL, is INCLUSIVE of the amended 45 hour weekly working hours. On this issue we wish to emphasis that the 45 minutes break is mandated, solely, for the workers to avail themselves of the opportunity to have a meal and "not free to dispose of his own time and movements" as provided under Section 60A(9) of the Employment Act, 1955.</p><p>Given the plain language of the law, we are baffled as to how the Jabatan Tenaga Kerja is misleading employers to surmise meal breaks as EXCLUSIVE of the amended 45 hours working week.</p><p>We believe that the Minister Of Human Resources, in moving the motion to reduce working hours, was guided by the objective of reducing real time spent by workers at the workplace. Since, that is the obvious objective, employers should not be permitted to circumvent the said amendment on the basis of the misplaced advise of the JTK as such a proposition is diametrically opposed to the objectives of the said amendments to strike a work life balance of the working citizens.</p><p>In our view the reduction, of hours spent at the workplace, must be real and not illusionary. It must, in reality, translate to a 45 hours working week inclusive of meal breaks and nothing less! </p><p>To maintain the current status quo i.e. the weekly 48 hours and, yet, content that it is permissible just by deducting the statutory 45 minutes meal break is, in our view, nothing short of Idiocracy!</p><p>We, therefore, implore upon the Honourable Minister Of Human Resources to direct his officers at the Jabatan Tenega Kerja to stop their misrepresentation of the progressive objectives of the said amendment least we stand to be shamed as hypocrites in the matter!</p><p>K. Veeriah</p><p>Secretary</p><p>Malaysian Trade Union Congress</p><p>Penang Division</p><p>016 4184520 </p><p>24.8.2022</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5g_M0K9JG0bRrf0GX4cP2EOwTRLn2E4EdPxD3xNQlFX5jFgdNwuod7iKZhND32gJAcJJSjF-1UH71oHQLQbFgMG1q4-SggCsmDxxfYSOmrHtnQ5IGfqGyOND58WuUsLilUljPyTLmSyNz_k5AfzDpqGDgLP-dV4lyPFSLmJ5thuyPlVOhAKDZqV5Iew/s1280/seram-menumpang-di-tempat-duduk-belakang-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5g_M0K9JG0bRrf0GX4cP2EOwTRLn2E4EdPxD3xNQlFX5jFgdNwuod7iKZhND32gJAcJJSjF-1UH71oHQLQbFgMG1q4-SggCsmDxxfYSOmrHtnQ5IGfqGyOND58WuUsLilUljPyTLmSyNz_k5AfzDpqGDgLP-dV4lyPFSLmJ5thuyPlVOhAKDZqV5Iew/s320/seram-menumpang-di-tempat-duduk-belakang-1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-42646343104787772792022-06-09T19:22:00.003+08:002022-06-09T19:22:38.289+08:00 An Ageing Population And The Need For A Retirement Safety Net.<p> An Ageing Population And The Need For A Retirement Safety Net.</p><p>When workers were entiched to withdraw their Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) savings to sustain themselves during the Covid19 pandemic, it resulted in only about 3% of them having adequate savings to afford to retire. </p><p>Thus, the indisputable fact is, that, our working population are stranded with inadequate savings, or none whatsoever, post retirement. Given the fact that our population demography is fast reaching an old age soceity, and coupled with the fact that they don't have sufficient post retirement savings, our nation may well be heading towards a future that will witness growing poverty. </p><p>Without sustainable post retirement savings our "warga emas" would either be compelled to continue to work or become dependent on the goodwill of soceity for survival unless the government initiates an appropriate social safety system to address the situation.</p><p>We, in the MTUC, believe that it is possible to implement a comprehensive post retirement safety net if the government is minded to:-</p><p>1. Merge the EPF and SOCSO entities so as to consolidate their resources to introduce a retirement safety scheme. As we understand the EPF investment assets are about a trillion ringgit. And SOCSO's asset size is in the billions. With such massive financial assets, and through prudent return on investment, we are convinced that a post retirement safety system is possible.</p><p>2. Setting aside say 1% of taxes collected.</p><p>With the consolidation of EPF and SOCSO and with an annual allocation of a portion of taxes collected to the said entity, we believe that a retirement safety scheme may well be possible.</p><p>3. Enhance EPF Contributions.</p><p>Enhancing existing statutory EPF contributions will increase savings with our proposed consolidated EPF, SOCSO organisation which, in turn would enable the sustainability of our suggested old age support scheme.</p><p>4. Move Towards A Living Wage.</p><p>Whilst progressive improvements, to the minimum wage, is welcomed it does not meet the threshhold living wage module as expounded by Bank Negara Malaysia. According to Bank Negara an individual needs a living wage of RM2700.00 to sustain him or herself. By moving towards a living wage it would, consequentially, translate to higher savings, again, with our proposed consolidated entity.</p><p>Taking cognisance of a fast approaching ageing soceity, we would urge the government to consider our proposals. And we believe the government ought to consider our suggestions in formulating it's 2023 budget.</p><p>K.Veeriah</p><p>Secretary</p><p>Malaysia Trades Union Congress, Penang </p><p>016 4184520 </p><p>9.6.2022</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-91243782988334771232022-04-14T22:52:00.002+08:002022-04-14T22:52:25.227+08:00Exemption Of RM1500.00 Minimum Wage For Selected Sectors<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKglj0WDncMcIKX4K-jhSVo_qBf4dt_NRHZ6pTxsSLTWyDXIgbmWCz4bI-Dhm9-_h4gRPloyC_ZOgfMHEI-Vo3MsbXwEI3OiDlfp0TvHJPWAS1jGI4Zoz20hXUearBD8i0L4uRjxNuwyf6Mwe3FULRWXk6tP0KjVjvkBl7UypKk8D7gpH4VVz67SJU3w/s1024/gaji-minimum-2022-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1024" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKglj0WDncMcIKX4K-jhSVo_qBf4dt_NRHZ6pTxsSLTWyDXIgbmWCz4bI-Dhm9-_h4gRPloyC_ZOgfMHEI-Vo3MsbXwEI3OiDlfp0TvHJPWAS1jGI4Zoz20hXUearBD8i0L4uRjxNuwyf6Mwe3FULRWXk6tP0KjVjvkBl7UypKk8D7gpH4VVz67SJU3w/s320/gaji-minimum-2022-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Press Statement By Malaysian Trades Union Congress Penang Division - </p><p>Exemption Of RM1500.00 Minimum Wage For Selected Sectors.</p><p>The Human Resources Minister, M.Saravanan's announcement that selected sectors, such as tourism, the informal sectors and those who have suffered losses due to the impact of Covid-19, would be exempted from the Implementation of the proposed minimum wage of RM1500.00, is misplaced.</p><p>In the first instance the underlying objective, of a national minimum wage is premised upon the principle that all wage earners, irrespective of the economic sectors that they are involved in, ought to be paid a decent minimum wage. This is for the simple reason that any wage, below the national minimum wage, would only result in a mis-match of minimum wage levels between one economic sector to another. Common sense will dictate that our government cannot be cherry picking on the fundamental issue of a national minimum wage. In our view a national minimum wage must be enforced holistically and not selectively.</p><p>On this said issue the Minister Of Human Resources, and by extention the government, seems to have been swayed by the lobbying by the business community to extricate themselves from paying their workers the national minimum wage. Obviously, we have inherited a government that seems to be beholden to the employers at the expense of the grossly underpaid working class population.</p><p>On a population demography, the most vulnerable citizens of our soceity are those who are entrapped in the B40 and M40 segment. By exempting them from the benefits of the minimum wage of RM1500.00, the government ought to stand accused of being inconsiderate to their financial plight. They, faced with the ever escalating cost of living, will continue to suffer financial stress no thanks to the baseless selective implementation of the RM1500.00 minimum wage.</p><p>MTUC Penang Division is of the view that the government has a moral obligation to ensure that each and every working class citizen is paid the national minimum wage as all workers have the constitutional right to be treated equally.</p><p>We, therefore, demand that the Human Resources Minister, and the government, upholds the constitutional right of all workers to be accorded the national minimum wage without any exemption.</p><p>K.Veeriah</p><p>Secretary MTUC Penang Division</p><p>016 4184520</p><p>14.4.2022</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-54926978788461929432022-04-10T23:38:00.000+08:002022-04-10T23:38:07.002+08:00Bosses Indiffrence To Welfare Of Migrant Workers, A Case Of Insufficient Enforcement?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHy4fS6Dl9IT2JqbrXwViKqUbuf-qCVBwp7Uc0ue7GfTGJb0NbKO-AgzY_PUaPD1EcNBNNcmiZ0b-i3VBDTy_QoDAAky0QqhwCCz-jXEXx4jYRl0xhUN_MqzSi9gxX4ltdh5nLdgM5OZ79XpqiArA8nD0R-B0gJo9hQobYd_jzDmfD-zrXaPODXj2tZg/s1360/2020_03_31_91396_1585656891._large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1360" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHy4fS6Dl9IT2JqbrXwViKqUbuf-qCVBwp7Uc0ue7GfTGJb0NbKO-AgzY_PUaPD1EcNBNNcmiZ0b-i3VBDTy_QoDAAky0QqhwCCz-jXEXx4jYRl0xhUN_MqzSi9gxX4ltdh5nLdgM5OZ79XpqiArA8nD0R-B0gJo9hQobYd_jzDmfD-zrXaPODXj2tZg/s320/2020_03_31_91396_1585656891._large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Press Statement By Malaysian Trades Union Congress Penang Division - Bosses Indiffrence To Welfare Of Migrant Workers, A Case Of Insufficient Enforcement?<p></p><p>Nauseating odour, rats and cockroaches infested living conditions, folded cardboard boxes for a bed, poor ventilation and leaking pipes - not a case of life in a slave camp but a reality in today's Malaysia!</p><p>That was the case when our Labour Department (Jabatan Tenaga Kerja) inspected the housing conditions of migrant workers in Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras recently.</p><p>Shocking, though, was the discloure that the employer’s representative took the position that the company has fulfilled it's responsibility to provide accomodation but had no time to monitor living conditions leaving it to the workers to resolve issues they face!</p><p>We, in MTUC Penang Division, outrightly condemn the nefarious attitude of the employer involved. To the authorities we say invoke the full extent of the law as such employers do not deserve mercy for their inhumane treatment of their migrant workers. We are also of the view that such uncaring employers should be black listed from seeking to recruit migrant workers.</p><p>Our country, having ratified the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Protocol 29 related to the ILO's forced labour convention, has a duty to enforce the Minimum Standards Of Housing, Accomodation and Amenities Act, 1990 (Act 446) without fear or favour. Though that ought to be so, we are given to understand that, with about 400 labour inspectors nationwide the Labour Department (JTK) lacks the manpower to undertake extensive inspection of housing conditions let alone adherence to employment related labour standards. Needless to state that, under such circumstances the incidences of absuses and violation of Act 446, would continue to exist on account of insufficient enforcement.</p><p>MTUC Penang Division, therefore, is of the view that the Ministry Of Human Resoucers ought to create a Migrant Workers Affairs Department with jurisdiction to oversee issues pertaining to employment of migrant workers. With millions of migrant workers toiling in the economic interest of our country we would argue that a specialised Migrant Workers Affairs Department with the authority to investigate, inspect, enforce and prosecute errant employers is urgently required. </p><p>It is our opinion that, unless our Human Resoucers Ministry takes a proactive approach in matters related to the absuses confronting the migrant workers, violation of basic human rights will continue to prevail. But by enhancing our enforcement mechanism, through a dedicated Migrant Workers Affairs Department within the Ministry Of Human Resources, we believe that instances of migrant workers absuses can be greatly arrested.</p><p>K.Veeriah</p><p>Secretary </p><p>MTUC Penang Division</p><p>016 4184520</p><p>10.4.2022</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-14303166359588288192022-03-22T09:09:00.001+08:002022-03-22T09:09:20.251+08:00MINIMUM WAGE MUST NOT BE A POLITICAL TOOL<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1Xu4ewU39FME44Gm0AcsRp5Z_UNKve5SQbde_k7EckuqgZB5ARG1xxTvbzCyScdhPnjHgThUUeEr2bhoaVvwze41HuXN9YW3BhzLbivESsPmhm8Bq7jVznp8y4oXBmSjRd0RessNJDQJrBibHtqK9ZODEBhgtH5QltNDalf2uD2fmZVDJLaGzTmCAYg=s648" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="648" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1Xu4ewU39FME44Gm0AcsRp5Z_UNKve5SQbde_k7EckuqgZB5ARG1xxTvbzCyScdhPnjHgThUUeEr2bhoaVvwze41HuXN9YW3BhzLbivESsPmhm8Bq7jVznp8y4oXBmSjRd0RessNJDQJrBibHtqK9ZODEBhgtH5QltNDalf2uD2fmZVDJLaGzTmCAYg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-b1081eab-7fff-2edb-c943-27b43d197d45" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PRESS STATEMENT</span></p><p><br /><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MINIMUM WAGE MUST NOT BE A POLITICAL TOOL</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DELAY FOR SMALL BUSINESS WILL BE DISCRIMINATION</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MTUC Sarawak welcome the announcement that minimum wage will be increased to RM1500 wef 1 May 2022 but is very concerned that the National Minimum Wage policy has been hijacked for political expediency.</span></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The minimum wage, policy with the enactment of the National Wages Consultative Council Act (NWCC) was implemented as one of the policy tool to push Malaysia towards a high income nation.</span></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The minimum wage policy is intended to ensure that the basic needs of workers and their families are met, protect them from exploitation, and to incentivise firms to move up the value chain by investing in technology and boosting productivity.</span></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The minimum wage policy is envisaged to have an important role in addressing inefficiencies in the labour market, and in improving the social welfare of low-paid workers. It would alleviate labour market distortions and maximise the efficiency of labour usage in the economy. </span></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Malaysia, real wages have recorded a slower growth compared to real labour productivity.</span></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When wages have been artificially suppressed below productivity levels, it would has led to low labour participation rates in the economy and brain drain, as workers have less incentive find employment inside the country. In fact wages have been suppressed at such low levels that local workers were displaced by low-waged foreign workers.</span></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have no doubt that the social economic data supports the increase to RM1500. As such we are very disturbed that the Government intend to allow small and micro companies to postpone the implementation of the minimum wage.</span></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Such a proposal will be discriminatory and maybe even non in compliance with the NWCC ACT. </span></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cost of living for workers is the same no matter which employer they work for. A cup of coffee, a pack of nasi lemak, a bowl of mee or a litre of petrol cost the same whether one is an employee of a GLC, a multinational big company or a small business. They are all from the same keluarga Malaysia.</span></p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In fact most big companies provide other employment perks that SME do not provide. So workers of small business are already worse off.</span></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is also a fallacy and fear mongering to claim that small business cannot accord to pay. They have fewer workers and their labour cost is not higher than big companies. SMEs are a pampered lot and they even have a dedicated ministry and many government agencies to look after their interest.</span></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It will also be an implementation disaster as many employers are spilt into separate legal entities and associate companies and hence qualify as small business when in reality they are significant employers. It will lead to abuses.</span></p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We therefore demand that the new MW must apply to every employee throughout the nation.</span></p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ANDREW LO</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SECRETARY</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.0pt; margin-top: 0.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MTUC SARAWAK</span></p><p><br /></p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-44014113750255961572022-03-15T20:03:00.004+08:002022-03-15T20:03:58.348+08:00 Rocketing Cost Of Living And Unstainable Wages - Need For Government Intervention<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihs1Kk4YhsYMpQ-c7t2-GvwIFdN-nt8lB5_sdtWi6Ilu8lSJf-QugAI6Ce73OoaJYaZrUAMRsDcxSGw4YZKGLyjcoNN001YvuBwfxHEDyUi1Y9fwHv6YMnntFyDZbSM-5TKW8H3dGLOSdRpLykoQHWfxMXkYM-UKoIuWf346RXbropea0_HeGuw2BDhQ=s440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="440" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihs1Kk4YhsYMpQ-c7t2-GvwIFdN-nt8lB5_sdtWi6Ilu8lSJf-QugAI6Ce73OoaJYaZrUAMRsDcxSGw4YZKGLyjcoNN001YvuBwfxHEDyUi1Y9fwHv6YMnntFyDZbSM-5TKW8H3dGLOSdRpLykoQHWfxMXkYM-UKoIuWf346RXbropea0_HeGuw2BDhQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Never in history has the employers' class subscribed to the ideals of an equitable wage system. Motivated by a desire to amass wealth, otherwise justified as return on investment, uncaring employers have always sought to suppress wages. <p></p><p>When countries, such as Singapore and South Korea embarked on attaining a high wage income society in the 1980's, our political leadership took the approach of suppressing wages by flooding the labour market with an infusion of migrant workers.</p><p>With very low unionisation of workers, no thanks to the pro-capital labour legislation in force since independence, millions of workers have been deprived of the numerical strength to progress wage enhancement through the collective bargaining process. Pivoting on both the lack of trade union membership density and the restrictive labour laws denying workers even their fundamental right to strike, the working population have been, systematicly, denied a decent wage though a Bank Negara Malaysia study has identified that our nation ought to embrace a "living wage" module of wage determination as opposed to the "minimum wage" concept so preferred by our political leadership.</p><p>Inspite of a surge, in the prices of essential goods, employers organisations such as the MEF, FMM and the SME, are opposed to an increase in the minimum wage premised upon the age old argument that businesses cannot survive with a minimum wage of RM1500.00.</p><p>Though mindful of the back-lash, I am of the view that the theory of the survival of the fittest ought to prevail. If an employer cannot pay a decent "living wage" or for the matter a minimum wage of RM1500.00 they should not enslave workers with exploitative wages. To be blunt, employers who have no capacity to pay a decent wage, have no right to a claim of being pay masters!</p><p>To the misplaced arguments, by the employers for a cheap wage system, I say you do not deserve to remain in business unless you are committed to uplift wages to a "living wage" as propunded by the Bank Negara.</p><p>To argue, that a minimum wage of RM1500.00, would adversely affect the micro, small and medium enterprises, is akin to saying that our workers ought to continue to wallow in the depths of the vicious low and middle income trap just so that employers can continue to stay in business.</p><p>Under such circumstances it is my view that it would be appropriate for the intervention of the government to correct the wage inequality for the benefit and well-being of the people.</p><p>The government cannot posture itself as the saviour of the people until and unless it has the moral dignity to, immediately, implement a sustainable living wage for workers.</p><p>Opinion piece by:-</p><p>K. Veeriah</p><p>24, Jalan Goh Swee Huat </p><p>Taman Bukit </p><p>14000 Bukti Mertajam </p><p>016 4184520</p><p>15.3.2022</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-52832677752589556072022-03-12T19:14:00.001+08:002022-03-12T19:14:30.481+08:00Minimum Wage Of RM1500.00 - Just Implement It Instead Of Persuading Incorrigible Employers To Act On Their Own!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAyhsdTgFy2NG9ETXJtRH02pqi7SNr8Q40aMBOZ14FUjSjKf6OvMjBqy3dtAlsg-mGmLAH78sXhGs8kSj6DGwBj5KiPy_UCSy20JNXMZztgPo0TeDnxqY4g_oTWwNKohqbocH1mhe5M5OMB89UnTxlTMpeCwK1IFUUQLQB3T8KyLPcC-q0jCT1SwymAA=s298" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="298" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAyhsdTgFy2NG9ETXJtRH02pqi7SNr8Q40aMBOZ14FUjSjKf6OvMjBqy3dtAlsg-mGmLAH78sXhGs8kSj6DGwBj5KiPy_UCSy20JNXMZztgPo0TeDnxqY4g_oTWwNKohqbocH1mhe5M5OMB89UnTxlTMpeCwK1IFUUQLQB3T8KyLPcC-q0jCT1SwymAA" width="298" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The Malaysian Trade Union Congress, Penang Division is of the view that the saying "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink" would be an apt dichotomy in the context of the Prime Minister persuading employers to implement a minimum wage of RM1500.00. However much the Prime Minister or the Human Resources Minister coaxes the employers, nothing works unlike mandating a RM1500.00 minimum wage by way of gazzeting a Minimum Wage Order pursuant to the provisions of the National Wages Consultative Council Act, 2011.</p><p>While both the Prime Minister, and Human Resources Minister, have taken cognisance of the need to implement a RM1500.00 minimum wage having regards to the ever increasing cost of living factors, they do not seem to have the political will to enforce the said minimum wage.</p><p>The Prime Minister's announcement that, government linked companies will pay the minimum wage of RM1500.00, is encouraging but flawed for the simple reason that he lacked the courage to announce that it will be extended to all other sectors as well. The Prime Minister has a fiduciary duty to be fair to all segment of society. By announcing the RM1500.00 minimum wage to only government linked companies he has, in our view, failed to act with equity and good conscience in the matter. The Prime Minister cannot be selective in a grave matter of concern such as the much awaited minimum wage of RM1500.00. </p><p>Under the circumstances we call upon the Prime Minister to immediately implement a Minimum Wage of RM1500.00 to workers in all economic sectors of the country as the prevailing financial constrains faced by the working population is constantly deteriorating.</p><p>K. Veeriah</p><p>Secretary</p><p>Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) </p><p>Penang Division </p><p>0164184520</p><p>12.3.2022</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-85851844695159565232022-02-16T22:38:00.001+08:002022-02-16T22:38:16.464+08:00MEF'S Grouse Against Higher Minimum Wage For Migrant Workers <p> Press Release By Malaysian Trade Union Congress, Penang Division - MEF'S Grouse Against Higher Minimum Wage For Migrant Workers </p><p>The Executive Director of MEF, Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, is reported to have said that an enhanced minimum wage would only benefit foreign workers. His argument seems to be premised upon the fact that migrant workers remit 'surplus salaries' to their home countries. It, also, seems to be his contention that, such repatriation of surplus salaries, deprives our economy from benefiting from a big portion of the wages earned by the migrant workers.</p><p>Essentially, what Shamsuddin Bardan is saying is that all migrant workers ought to spend all their salaries earned here and, in the process, neglect on their financial obligation towards their families in their countries.</p><p>Such a proposition, by the MEF, stands testimony to their uncaring disposition to the circumstances under which migrant workers seek employment overseas in a hope to uplift themselves, and their families, from the economic challenges in their home countries. It is needless to state that, no citizen of a nation would elect to leave behind their family and loved ones, their culture, culinary delights, festivities etc except for the sole purpose of eking out a living just so to sustain themselves and their families. And for MEF to have the audacity to imply that such a situation is unacceptable is complete madness! </p><p>Values of humanity, that encompasses one's obligatory duty to the family unit, is ingrained in our society and the same values ought to be upheld in respect of migrant workers. Sadly, the MEF, fixated with viewing migrant workers as a means of production rather than humans struggling to mitigate their financial constrains, must stand accused of contempt in the matter.</p><p>In retrospect we would be inclined to tell MEF, and their associates that, if they view migrant workers as siphoning 'surplus salaries' to their home countries, stop clamouring for the services of migrant workers! In passing we wish to state that we find it repulsive, that, MEF has descended to such a cheap and inhumane approach in it's attempt to derail the enhancement of the minimum wage. To MEF we say stop your nonsensical mockery!</p><p>K. Veeriah</p><p>Secretary </p><p>Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) Penang Division </p><p>016 4184520</p><p>16.2.2022</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuwTWWlzPcuBh-eeWJ1a7L9ZY67m7V6GWSuYCcsnDrsDUjDtvc5W4dP9qlqBN1yNdIIc4XkKkXvVifbn4teYsNDTqUfqkEdD0LknlEwerdEZZqR7m0O3oLwCJwqnbFzfnTe69n5Cx323JsW3vwUDnNgiI_C5PscNPVAXFB4dSw4Mq1nIhxAwea0MRPlA=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1080" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuwTWWlzPcuBh-eeWJ1a7L9ZY67m7V6GWSuYCcsnDrsDUjDtvc5W4dP9qlqBN1yNdIIc4XkKkXvVifbn4teYsNDTqUfqkEdD0LknlEwerdEZZqR7m0O3oLwCJwqnbFzfnTe69n5Cx323JsW3vwUDnNgiI_C5PscNPVAXFB4dSw4Mq1nIhxAwea0MRPlA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-64549510384660968552022-02-16T19:31:00.002+08:002022-02-16T19:43:11.831+08:00 An ageing Population And The Need For A Retirement Safety Net For Workers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="mail-message expanded" id="m#msg-f:1724919409285387134" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><div class="mail-message-content collapsible zoom-normal mail-show-images " style="margin: 16px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; user-select: auto; width: 328px;"><div class="clear"><div dir="ltr" id="m_1265256486479711300divRplyFwdMsg"><div> </div></div><div><div dir="auto">Press Release By Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) Penang - An ageing Population And The Need For A Retirement Safety Net For Workers.<br /></div>According to statistics released by the government our nation is on the fast track of attaining an ageing society. It is, thus, obvious that our government needs to embark on devising a scheme of social security safeguard to provide for the financial survival of our ageing population.<br />No thanks to the misplaced schemes, to allow workers to dip into their old age EPF retirement savings, only about 3% of workers are left with sufficient savings in their EPF to sustain themselves post retirement.<br />Whilst the RM101 billion taken out from the EPF would, in all likelihood, translate into spending which, in turn, helps to bolster the economy of the country, the filp side is that about 97% of the working population will be conscripted to wallow in the depth of poverty having no sustainable source of financial security post retirement. Unless the said situation is addressed, urgently, our nation will be confronted with an ageing population deprived of sustainable financial social security network in the not so future. And it would be no-gain saying, that, a lack of a comprehensive post retirement retirement support system will have spill over impact on our health and welfare system.<br />Having regards to the matters set-out hereinbefore, we take the liberty to suggest that our government considers the following:-<br />1. Consolidating EPF, SOCSO And Other Existing Retirement Schemes<br />The EPF is said to have investment assets of about a trillion ringgit. As for SOCSO it is reported that it's asset size is in the billions. Aside from these entities, there are other schemes such as the KWAP having at their disposal considerable funds and assets. It is our view that, by consolidating these entities into a single corporation, a scheme of social security safeguard may well be possible.<br />With combined assets, in the trillions, we believe there is window of opportunity to formulate a comprehensive social security protection system to address the challenges of a fast approaching ageing population.<br />In this respect it is needless to state that, to sustain a post retirement support system, the consolidated fund needs to generate a rolling source of income. That, in our view, can be realised through prudent return on investments.<br />2. Setting Aside A Percentage (%) Of Taxes Collected Towards The Consolidated Workers Retirement Plan.<br />With the consolidating of the EPF, SOCSO and other bodies, and, say, with an annual 1% allocation from taxes collected channelled to the merged entity, it may well facilitate the implementation of a sustainable post retirement scheme for retiring workers. With the consolidated funds at it's disposable, and through returns on investments, we believe that an equitable post retirement safety network can be realised.<br />3. Raise retirement age<br />The indisputable fact is that life expectancy has risen and, as such, there is a need to reconsider the mandatory retirement age of 60. As a matter of fact a vast majority of retirees are still employed albeit at exploitative wages and terms of employment just on account of their post 60 years retirement age. Such exploitation can be eradicated if the retirement age is raised.<br />4. Move to a living wage system<br />A Bank Negara Malaysia 2018 study says that, an unmarried worker needs a monthly "living wage" of RM2700.00 to sustain himself. The said study has also revealed, that for a married couple with no children, the living wage would be RM4500.00. And for those who need to support two children the living wage need to be pegged at RM6500.00. In the light of the said study it cannot be challenged that our workers are grossly under-paid.<br />Prof. Yeah from Sunway University of Business School, among others, has expressed his opinion that, based on the current National Minimum Wage of RM1200.00 a workman has to supplement his income by talking on an additional job.<br />Though that be the reality what it means is that our workers have to work excessive hours, be it be working overtime, on their rest days or even on public holidays just so to earn sufficient income to provide for themselves and their families.<br />Working excessive hours, without any iota of doubt, translates to a deterioration of both physical and mental health of workers which, if permitted to continue would, inevitably, impact on productivity. Further, it would impose tremendous pressure on our already overworked, and under equipped, public health system. It is, therefore, imperative that our nation escalates to a living wage system as opposed to the minimum wage concept of wage determination.<br />5. Enhance EPF Rates.<br />It cannot be denied that there is a correlation between the rates of pay and the contributions to the EPF. Given the mis-match between the prevailing minimum wage and the Bank Negara's suggested living wage it cannot be denied that contributions to the EPF old age savings are, pathetically, devalued. Thus, it is vital that the monthly contributions to the EPF be enhanced to provide for sufficient savings to the workers. On this score it is our view that there needs to be a parallel shift of wage determination from the minimum wage idea to that of a living wage system whereby EPF contributions would see progressive enhancement.<br />In conclusion we take the liberty to argue that the limited scope of proposals, set-out hereinbefore, ought to be given serious consideration in the interest of the workers' post retirement security.<br />Press Release By:-<br />K. Veeriah<br />Secretary<br />Malaysian Trade Union Congress<br />Penang Division<br />016 4184520<br />15.2.2022</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuD75q4Z7mo57-hZODXWIcKMW6nMtSZ6cSzPwZi7TI-F01XCP4ja4rSrLw3qs2MBTdHF815Hz_EJHe554Lms9nYnm7xB8tRehx2QK82Bap5dQymg24ONWCvGVdyD8FZ3zye0QhtdLSO9Uzfvcbf0TPI95M1mJH-enndwKFXC46QxU9FHS_VTSZymRabA=s870" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="870" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuD75q4Z7mo57-hZODXWIcKMW6nMtSZ6cSzPwZi7TI-F01XCP4ja4rSrLw3qs2MBTdHF815Hz_EJHe554Lms9nYnm7xB8tRehx2QK82Bap5dQymg24ONWCvGVdyD8FZ3zye0QhtdLSO9Uzfvcbf0TPI95M1mJH-enndwKFXC46QxU9FHS_VTSZymRabA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div dir="auto" id="m_1265256486479711300x_ms-outlook-mobile-signature"><div><br /></div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="mail-message-footer spacer collapsible" style="height: 0px;"></div></div>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-29954688412560491022022-02-09T22:13:00.001+08:002022-02-09T22:13:54.800+08:00The Plight Of Workers In Hospital Support And Allied Services<p> Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) Penang Division - The Plight Of Workers In Hospital Support And Allied Services</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzkb-L8MtDQHotmTCJt14JucR7hqI8_2I25ydDWqzx004On5uo-d7G4M6JofVkYYcYpML3hqS0CQAyRGEkTWQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />.<p></p><p>MTUC Penang Division extends it's salutations to the National Union Of Workers In Hospital Support And Allied Services in embarking on a motorcade, from Penang to Putrajaya, in pursuit of their legitimate claims for security of employment and recognition as frontliners in the public health service sector. To undertake such a hazardous road trip speaks volumes of the courage and unwavering commitment of the leadership of the Union in their efforts to seek justice for their fellow colleagues.</p><p>They are, without any shadow of doubt, true breavehearths! To them our salutations yet again.</p><p>Almost all the time those, in the corridors of power, elect to brush aside the legitimate demands of the marginalised segment of society. But it is heartening that the Minister Of Health, Khairy Jamalludin took the initiative to meet with the Union's representatives upon their arrival in Putrajaya. Even more significant is his undertaking to seek a comprehensive resolution to the workers predicament.</p><p> We, in MTUC Penang, believe that Khairy Jamalludin would endeavour to seek a just solution to the injustice that workers in the hospital support services are facing. It is also our earnest hope that the Honourable Minister would ensure that the hospital support services workers are absorbed as civil servants under the Ministry Of Health. </p><p>On reflection the current plight, of the workers in the hospital support services, is a result of privatisation of the said services by the then Barisan National government. Those, who were beneficiaries of the privatisation of the hospital support services, reaped benefits whilst the workers were conscripted to toil under conditions that may well attract comparison to modern day slavery!</p><p>Given the severity of the situation, it is our view, that, the only honourable option for the government is to restore the status quo by absorbing the said workers into the public services scheme of employment. </p><p>K. Veeriah</p><p>Secretary </p><p>Malaysian Trade Union Congress Penang </p><p>016 4184520</p><p>9.2.2022</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZKITL3NxSHZQU9AM2FG0sQ0V1SzXfW9tSKuk5ZkmR-qgBaKKbRrv7ODtVZ3MK2UaYtxUsvDT-pefPtupR0RoQPCiRB7PkQYnUCdX_hfurD2dOPGjbZBnqJwDKVhtUSZQN1jllEh1O4znJ7JDApWE-t59lKSEkXrMMigID3UMSMZ5IOw9A2IU6_yl7kA=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="958" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZKITL3NxSHZQU9AM2FG0sQ0V1SzXfW9tSKuk5ZkmR-qgBaKKbRrv7ODtVZ3MK2UaYtxUsvDT-pefPtupR0RoQPCiRB7PkQYnUCdX_hfurD2dOPGjbZBnqJwDKVhtUSZQN1jllEh1O4znJ7JDApWE-t59lKSEkXrMMigID3UMSMZ5IOw9A2IU6_yl7kA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-24810736759022421132022-02-07T22:33:00.002+08:002022-02-07T22:33:37.406+08:00 Is A RM1500.00 Minimum Wage Adequate As Opposed To A Living Wage? <p> Is A RM1500.00 Minimum Wage Adequate As Opposed To A Living Wage? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhew-8kYOW8cqHyY0t6K-oAetTE0o3eAjntVJcpSeV5GS9ui5O57OS9qX16VIiUgNRc-wEANfTfgMxKSPWxIYvNqaTSBw9C7fQwME4JBHzuGlEUGFdOh5UAnTXHF1dLcnY-hnxTiPWgxNX2C1P_NxmtM_MINC3Ip0ODuFl8nevAoItlUK45G7mbwl2DUg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhew-8kYOW8cqHyY0t6K-oAetTE0o3eAjntVJcpSeV5GS9ui5O57OS9qX16VIiUgNRc-wEANfTfgMxKSPWxIYvNqaTSBw9C7fQwME4JBHzuGlEUGFdOh5UAnTXHF1dLcnY-hnxTiPWgxNX2C1P_NxmtM_MINC3Ip0ODuFl8nevAoItlUK45G7mbwl2DUg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br />- MTUC Penang Division <p></p><p>As soon as the Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, announced that a minimum wage of RM1500.00 was likely to be realised by year end the employer's bloc want on the offensive to oppose that said possibility. The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) took the position that a minimum wage of RM1500.00 would not be sustainable for a wide range of employers. </p><p>We, in the MTUC, find that argument rather misplaced as that was the same proposition that was presented when the national Minimum Wage was introduced in 2013. Paying a minimum wage of RM900.00 was opposed, then, premised upon the inability of employers to absorb the so-called increase in wages. However the reality is that employers have continue to prevail insipte of the progressive enhancement of the minimum wage from RM900.00 to the current RM1200.00.</p><p> In fact employers have no reasons to object, to a bi-annual revision of the national minimum wage, as it is a requirement under the Minimum Wages Act. Employers, and the MEF, cannot feign ignorance of the law! Since bi-annual revision, of the minimum wage, is a mandatory requirement employers cannot attempt to circumvent such legal requirement for whatever reasons. Thus, we in the MTUC, are baffled at the MEF's resistance against the government's mandatory obligation in the matter. </p><p>While welcoming the Human Resources Minister's statement that a RM1500.00 minimum wage is a possibility we would urge the government to shift it's focus from the minimum wage concept of wage determination to what is propounded as a "living wage" system.</p><p>With cost of living factors, constantly, out pacing minimum wages it is our view that the government ought to embark on a "living wage" module to ensure that the working population is paid an equitable "living wage" - sufficient income to provide for themselves and their dependants.</p><p><br /></p><p>K. Veeriah </p><p>Secretary </p><p>Malaysian Trades Union Congress </p><p>Penang Division </p><p>016 4184520</p><p>7.2.2022</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-54783130423279802522022-01-17T13:24:00.002+08:002022-01-17T13:24:54.493+08:00Labour Law Reform Coalition calls on the government to increase the minimum wage to RM1,400 in February 2022, and to RM1,500 in February 2023. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVvCA06V6AxgGzu573SizitrUrCoLojC96E24LsPEjU4DVBGk8bqQW4lNJnleJ0NJm8pZLO5QnxUdxzjOFIUvclglKMgQUovgpMBqQUI1LlMCz2T7Xmo76jkxrd8_VF_rkp7p4J3zb1jM0r42MZKCETMWfBzVtMHckAqDRvSnJM12iiCES0Ea9Z1gU8A=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="1080" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVvCA06V6AxgGzu573SizitrUrCoLojC96E24LsPEjU4DVBGk8bqQW4lNJnleJ0NJm8pZLO5QnxUdxzjOFIUvclglKMgQUovgpMBqQUI1LlMCz2T7Xmo76jkxrd8_VF_rkp7p4J3zb1jM0r42MZKCETMWfBzVtMHckAqDRvSnJM12iiCES0Ea9Z1gU8A=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Press Statement by Labour Law Reform Coalition on 17 January 2022 in Shah Alam<p></p><p><br /></p><p>*LLRC calls on the government honours “wage contract” signed with workers in the GE14*</p><p><br /></p><p>Labour Law Reform Coalition calls on the government to increase the minimum wage to RM1,400 in February 2022, and to RM1,500 in February 2023. </p><p><br /></p><p>Given that both Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) made promises in their 14th general election manifesto to increase the minimum wage to RM1,500 by the end of the five-year term, the Perikatan Nasional government, which consists of former component parties of PH and BN component parties, should materialize the election promises.</p><p><br /></p><p>We see the election promise as a “wage contract” in between the political parties and Malaysian workers in the 14th general election, they voted for political parties with the hope that the proposed minimum wage would be implemented. Therefore, politicians should honour their promises and announce the new minimum wage order in accordance with their manifesto text. </p><p><br /></p><p>In addition, the government should not delay the implementation of the new minimum wage, which should come into force on 1 February 2022. The previous minimum wage rate took effect on 1 February 2020.</p><p><br /></p><p>It is important to note that the Act 732 does not prohibit the council to review the order before the two-year period. The government can actually announce the new minimum wage order every year. </p><p><br /></p><p>According to article 25 of the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 (Act 732), the council shall, at least once in every two years, review the minimum wages order. It is the responsibility of the cabinet to conclude and announce the new minimum wage before the two-year expiration of the previous minimum rate. </p><p><br /></p><p>Previously, Malaysian workers were short-changed because the government failed to strictly observe the two-year review period, particularly during 2013 to 2018. We urge the government to insert a new section in the Act 732, requiring the government to announce the revised minimum wage order at least every two years. </p><p><br /></p><p>That means, the council shall conduct the studies much earlier, in order for the government to announce the new order before the expiration of the two-year period. The proposed reform can close the loophole that gives the government leeway to delay the implementation of new minimum order without accountability.</p><p><br /></p><p>Moreover, the average statutory minimum wage increment in the past 8 years is only RM37.5 per year for 56 council and municipal areas, and only RM25 per year for non-council and municipal areas. </p><p><br /></p><p>The minimum wage in the rural areas has been stagnant since January 2019, which is unfair because the people in rural areas too suffer from inflation. Thus, the new minimum wage rate should be standardized across Malaysia.</p><p><br /></p><p>N. Gopal Kishnam & Irene Xavier</p><p>Co-Chairpersons</p><p>Labour Law Reform Coalition</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-57196778761963345252022-01-15T15:09:00.001+08:002022-01-15T15:09:02.339+08:00LLRC lambasts Malaysian Employers Federation for its inhuman statement on migrant workers’ right to change employment in the event of abuse<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC0qexj22OInJOpDR2uIfmDimrNFVqxFiKb-aOLuSuIz5ZNlSiaVp0Y1qCjvNKfrvCE73qxE9rCzX9N1cSJ6movttZqJuj8yOM9K16cWCxkhF_EMg7V0XVsin_gitIrPeuUSIPG_A8A6SP4loRFUrRTRyI7_yMosl2hTxUHjzXSy0yohzbaly5TbcfJQ=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC0qexj22OInJOpDR2uIfmDimrNFVqxFiKb-aOLuSuIz5ZNlSiaVp0Y1qCjvNKfrvCE73qxE9rCzX9N1cSJ6movttZqJuj8yOM9K16cWCxkhF_EMg7V0XVsin_gitIrPeuUSIPG_A8A6SP4loRFUrRTRyI7_yMosl2hTxUHjzXSy0yohzbaly5TbcfJQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Press Statement by Labour Law Reform Coalition on 15 January 2022 in Shah Alam<p></p><p><br /></p><p>*LLRC lambasts Malaysian Employers Federation for its inhuman statement on migrant workers’ right to change employment in the event of abuse*</p><p><br /></p><p>Labour Law Reform Coalition is appalled by Malaysian Employers Federation’s (MEF) opposition to a proposal that called for allowing migrant workers to change employment as a means to end forced labour. MEF claimed it was unfair because employers would have spent a lot of money during the recruitment process.</p><p><br /></p><p>We criticize MEF for its inhuman and money-minded statement. The employer association clearly turned a blind eye to abundant evidence of forced labour incidents in Malaysia as a result of the rigid employment system for migrant workers.</p><p><br /></p><p>Trade unions and migrant worker organizations in Malaysia have observed a repetitive pattern of rights abuse – errant employers hold the wages of migrant workers, confiscate their passport to restrict their movement, terminate and repatriate them without pay, non-renewal of work permit and turn migrant into undocumented status. </p><p><br /></p><p>The root cause of these problems is the power imbalance between the migrant workers and their employers. The employers can misuse the rigid employment system to threaten migrant workers to work as forced labour.</p><p><br /></p><p>In a gap analysis on Malaysian legislation and the ILO Forced Labour Convention, International Labour Organization (ILO) recommends the Malaysian government to address the power imbalance by allowing termination of contracts and labour market mobility for migrant workers in the event of legal rights violations.</p><p><br /></p><p>The ILO's proposal argues that the proposed change will enable migrant workers to engage with the process of renewal of work permits and retain their own passports. It states that such measures can overcome the problem of migrant workers’ dependency on employers, they can voice out the forced labour situation with officials during the engagements.</p><p><br /></p><p>Therefore, we call on MEF to willingly accept the proposal to allow migrant workers to change their employment in the event of rights violations. The employers’ expenses during the recruitment process should not be an excuse to condone violation of workers’ rights and criminal activities. </p><p><br /></p><p>Please put people before the profit! </p><p><br /></p><p>N. Gopal Kishnam & Irene Xavier</p><p>Co-Chairpersons</p><p>Labour Law Reform Coalition</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-12895893265372190622022-01-03T22:57:00.001+08:002022-01-03T22:57:15.952+08:00 The Reported Strike By Gig Workers Involving Lazada<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyZPTvTthEZ4-IWUqS1CO9WjM7tObNzf0HqKdT3L9lnAYx-Sbwr42FHmtQEFR3SUiupxv_LjcCBboeA0ozcyw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /> The Reported Strike By Gig Workers Involving Lazada - Press Release By MTUC Penang Division <p></p><p>It is reported, that, hundreds of gig workers working for Lazada have decided to withhold their services pursuant to the said company's unilateral decision to revise their terms of contract. It is alleged that, such a unilateral revision, would result in a substantial reduction in the earnings of the workers concerned.</p><p>Whlist MTUC Penang Division applauds the action of the workers involved, we are of the view that the plight of the gig workers will continue to prevail as long as the government fails to address the employment inequalities in the said sector.</p><p>As a point of reference, we believe that, all gig workers ought to be protected by existing labour legislations be it the Employment Act, 1955, the Industrial Relation Act, 1967, the Minimum Wage Act etc. In the absence of, such legislative protection, the gig community is left at the mercy of the employers who, creatively, exploit their vulnerability in their pursuit to maximise profits! </p><p>Under such circumstances MTUC Penang Division demands that the government embarks on a reallingment of the existing labour laws so as to ensure that the gig workers are adequately protected.</p><p><br /></p><p>K. Veeriah </p><p>Secretary MTUC Penang Division </p><p>0164184520</p><p>3.12.2022</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-16822831539196695102021-12-25T18:51:00.002+08:002021-12-26T11:24:25.242+08:00A Tribute To The Late Puan Nurashikin, The Former President Of The Transport Workers Union (the TWU).<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSWrZ7Kb-PfV0IG0utH77Um3O6nA1BfLvemsusMpr1BgrOBf9cmXQeEY1bGzlvh30MtbhHdoWsO4J8qT3_AOp8VrWCTBFjTNV-BEpZsboqKBXPZKefqpK2Bz_H_lIIELQdx7kv7WF-D3CCypJGRiU5cglobkucypxlygofvJcxe9SRRbpWYnQ3AOOb1g=s596" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="582" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSWrZ7Kb-PfV0IG0utH77Um3O6nA1BfLvemsusMpr1BgrOBf9cmXQeEY1bGzlvh30MtbhHdoWsO4J8qT3_AOp8VrWCTBFjTNV-BEpZsboqKBXPZKefqpK2Bz_H_lIIELQdx7kv7WF-D3CCypJGRiU5cglobkucypxlygofvJcxe9SRRbpWYnQ3AOOb1g=s320" width="312" /></a></div><br /> A Tribute To The Late Puan Nurashikin, The Former President Of The Transport Workers Union (the TWU).<p></p><p>In the morning of 24.12.2021 I was informed of the demise of Puan Nurashikin the former President of the Transport Workers Union. She was 89 years old. She is survived by relatives and friends - her husband and only son having returned to God's abode in 2006 and 2009, respectively.</p><p>I am sure many of you are wondering who she was and why she is deserving of a tribute. </p><p>She was a ticket conductor working with a bus company in Penang when she became involved with the Transport Workers Union which was, then, helmed by V. David and Zainal Rampak. From the humble job, of a ticket conductor, she ascended to the top position of the national President of the Transport Workers Union sometime in the 1970's.</p><p>That was a remarkable feat considering the fact that the transportation sector was male dominated. To the best of my knowledge she was the first, and only woman, to have been elected to the office of the President of a national trade union then. </p><p>She was a down-to-earth person liked by all who had the privilege to have known her. She was, fondly, addressed as "Kak Nurashikin" as she had that sisterly, even a motherly, disposition. But, beneath that appearance there was this straight talking, blunt, frank and a I don't care the less approach in addressing issues concerning the welfare of the workers. She spoke from her heart without sugar coating issues confronting the workers. </p><p>I, for one, had the good fortune to have known her since 1978 when I first started my full-time trade union work. Though she was the national President, of the TWU, she elected not to uproot herself to Kuala Lumpur but to function from a small office in Bishop Street, Penang together with the union's Industrial Relations Officer, the late Bro. V. Gopal. </p><p>To almost all of us newbies in the movement, then, that office was our "port" on our learning curve. And, never once, were we made to feel unwelcomed there! </p><p>Kakak was actively involved in the MTUC Penang Division going on to be elected as the Chairperson of the Division sometime in the 1980's. From recollection she was the first woman to lead a Division of the MTUC then. </p><p> Even after her retirement, her heart was still with the workers movement. She was a true unsung hero of the workers struggle. To her family who, stood witness to her immeasurable contributions to the working class struggle, we say thank you, thank you very much for gifting her to the worker's movement. May her soul rest in peace in the arms of God almighty. </p><p>K. Veeriah</p><p>Secretary MTUC Penang Division </p><p>016 4184520</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-684308179664970982021-12-03T23:26:00.001+08:002021-12-03T23:26:40.615+08:00Societal Transformation - The Need For The Trade Union Movement To Build Bridges With Civil Society Movement And Political Allies.<p> Societal Transformation - The Need For The Trade Union Movement To Build Bridges With Civil Society Movement And Political Allies.</p><p><br /></p><p>The late trade union icon Dr. V. David once, candidly, told me that to sustain the spirit of the workers struggle burning, the working class must feel hunger in their bellies. In the early 80s I thought that his view was diametrically opposed to the philosophy of the workers movement. </p><p>Coming from a breed of grass roots leaders, having had the privilege of participating in a 6 month lock-out brought about in an orchestrated ploy to break the union by the company, I believe that I can, now, relate to what Dr. V. David said. </p><p>During the said lock out we were a group of workers deprived of any source of income. Our bellies felt the hunger and our resolve to stand united to fight the injustice heaped upon us grew in strength. The camadararie, regardless of race, religion and culture was cemented in our quest to combat the injustice that we, collectively, were facing. Sadly, that epoch of undivided solidarity has been conscripted to memory. </p><p>Over the decades I have have seen the gradual erosion of the comradeship that so prevailed amongst the workers in the 70s and 80s. Unfortunately, the evils of race centric politics seems to have crept into the trade union movement. That, in my view, is the "Achilles heel" in the circumstances! </p><p>In the heydays the trade union movement, including the leadership of the MTUC, forged a working relationship with civil society organisations like the Consumer Associate Of Penang (CAP), Friends Of The Earth (SAM), ALIRAN and the Muslim Youth Movement (ABIM). Networking with political parties such as the DAP and PSRM was the norm. Together we called for the emancipation of the people be it workers rights, consumerism, envoirentalism or concerns for socio-economic conditions. We had demanded for draconian, obnoxious policies and laws that infringe on fundamental rights be abolished. Clearly, there was a nexus between the trade union movement, civil society organisations and political parties for changes.</p><p> In any full blooded attempt, to seek a transformation of the working class, the trade union movement cannot isolate itself for the simple reason that transformation of society is a holistic endeavour. The trade union movement cannot do it alone. It has no option but to network with civil society organisations in order to strive for a transformation of the social-economic land-scape of the working population of the country.</p><p>Unfortunately, the trade union leadership, sadly in our country, seems to have adopted a holier than thou attitude in the matter. That, in itself, is a no brainer as history will stand testimony to the fact that changes were never achieved without a well thought out coordinated campaign mounted by all strata of civil society movements in the pursuit for changes. </p><p>Hence, the trade union fraternity has no option but to make their choice - stay isolated and continue to play an ineffective role or reach out to like minded civil society organisations and political parties to endeavour, collectively, to strive for meaningful societal transformation of the predicament of the workers.</p><p><br /></p><p>Opinion Piece </p><p>K. Veeriah </p><p>24, Jalan Goh Swee Huat </p><p>Taman Bukit </p><p>14000 Buku Mertajam </p><p>016 4184520</p><p>3.12.2021</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-14140855144015795722021-11-19T10:57:00.001+08:002021-11-19T10:57:43.215+08:00Amendments To The Employment Act, 1955.<p> Press Release By MTUC Penang Division - Amendments To The Employment Act, 1955.</p><p><br /></p><p>MTUC Penang Division has been given to understand that, in tabling amendments to the Employment Act, 1955 in Parliament, the Human Resources Minister is supposed to have credited it to the need to ratify the Comprehensive And Progressive Agreement For Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade agreement involving 11 countries. </p><p>Without venturing into the convincing arguments, against Malaysia ratifying the said trade pact, what we ask is simply this - isn't it the primary responsibility of our government to embark on a progressive transformation of the employment related eco-system of our working population without the same being dictated by the CPTPP? </p><p>To credit transformation, of our arachic labour legislations to the CPTPP, signals either of two circumstances - firstly, our government has failed to appreciate the sarificies of the workers on it's own accord which, in any case is needless to be contridicated or, secondly, our government, in the overwhelming interest of the business class, is prepared to make concession just so to create an impression that it has the will to confirm with internationally accepted labour standards. In either of the said circumstances it remains true that our government would only deliver, not of their own free will, but when whipped by compelling external forces! </p><p>MTUC Penang Division is of the view that, our Human Resources Ministry ought to adopt a proactive approach in bringing about much needed progressive changes to the prevailing pro capital labour laws. If our government has the political will, to create a vibrant workers movement in the country, it ought to subscribe to the core conventions of internationally accepted labour standards. To amend the labour laws, as dictated by the CPTPP partnership, is not only nonsensical but also an act of abdicating our sovereignty as a nation.</p><p><br /></p><p>K. Veeriah</p><p>Secretary </p><p>Malaysian Trade Union Congress </p><p>Penang Division </p><p>016 4184520</p><p>18.11.2021</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-69631814474508544922021-11-01T20:47:00.001+08:002021-11-01T20:47:24.131+08:00The EPF Says Only 3% Malaysians Can Afford To Retire On Their EPF Savings!<p> The EPF Says Only 3% Malaysians Can Afford To Retire On Their EPF Savings!</p><p><br /></p><p>EPF's chief strategy officer, Nurhisham Hussein's statement that only 3% of Malaysians can afford to retire on their EPF savings is a wake-up call to the government with regards to the old age financial survival of our working population. </p><p>The truth remains that massive EPF withdrawals, on account of the i-sinar, i-lestari and i-citra withdrawals estimated to be about 70 billion ringgit or more, was the main factor to the said state of affairs.</p><p>The financial challenges, brought about by the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic, would have warranted the government to provide sustained financial assistance to the people. The government, however, deemed it fit to allocate piece meal financial hand-outs that were, grossly, inadequate to meet the financial obligations of those who had either lost their jobs or had their income reduced by pay cuts. Whilst defaulting on it's obligations, moral or otherwise, to provide meaningful financial assistance to the people, the government enticed the people to dip into their old age EPF retirement savings to mitigate their financial commitments. Sadly, the folly of the government has, now, morphed to the reality that about 97% of EPF members would not have the privilege of retiring upon attaining the retirement age of 60.</p><p>As said by the EPF's officer these group of old age people would need to continue working an extra 4 to 6 years and, as we may add, even longer! As our nation is fast moving towards an ageing population the question that needs to be postulated is the consequences of working beyond the retirement age. </p><p>A study, by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Labour Oraganisation (ILO) has revealed that working long hours is a contributing factor to work related deaths. Working long hours, and by extension working between 4 to 6 years post retirement, would, inevitably, lead to a deterioration of both physical and mental health of the 60 plus years old workers what more the possibility of death as a consequence therefrom.</p><p>Given the reality that the overwhelming number of workers are left with insufficient savings post retirement, we would propose that the government seriously considers an Old Age Social Protection Scheme. On this score we would propose that a nominal % from taxes collected be set aside into a pension fund or, alternatively, be channelled to the EPF whereof an equitable pension payment scheme be devised to provide for retiring workers. Until such proactive measures are put in place at the soonest, we may stand witness to an ageing population who would neither have sufficient EPF savings post retirement nor an Old Age Social Security network to provide them financial sustenance. </p><p><br /></p><p>K. Veeriah</p><p>Secretary </p><p>Malaysian Trade Union Congress, Penang</p><p>0164184520</p><p>31.10.2021</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-23674649402897950252021-05-19T07:23:00.002+08:002021-05-19T07:23:54.776+08:00Why Block Free Covid-19 Vaccine Destined For The People Of Penang?<p> Why Block Free Covid-19 Vaccine Destined For The People Of Penang? - </p><p>Press Release By MTUC Penang Division </p><p><br /></p><p>When the nation is in the grips of an escalating Covid-19 infection it would have been expected, of the Ministry Of Health, to welcome all available resources in it's battle to arrest the situation. We are, therefore, baffled as to why the federal authorities have deemed it fit to deprive the people of Penang the opportunity to make themselves available of free vaccination courtesy of, as reported, a private company.</p><p><br /></p><p>As we are given to understand, there is a pressing need to create herd immunity amongst the population and, that, it can only be done so if the vast majority of the people are vaccinated. If that be the case 2 million available doses of the Sinovac vaccine would be suffice to vaccinate the entire 1.8 million people of Penang. Given the fact that, Penang's population density is amongst the highest in the nation, it would be imperative that a vaccination roll-out programme ought to prioritise the state in the pursuit to create the said herd immunity. </p><p><br /></p><p>While we recognise, that, the federal government has constraints, in the roll-out of the national Covid-19 immunisation programme, what we cannot comprehend is why it has found it fit to block the 2 million doses of free vaccination for the people of Penang!</p><p><br /></p><p>They say that, one should not look a gift horse in the mouth and we believe that it would be an appropriate analogy in the circumstances! Faced with the unprecedented challenges brought forth by the Covid-19 pandemic, it is our view that there is no rhyme or reason for the federal government to deny the people of Penang the opportunity to make themselves available of the vaccination so made available by a generous donor. And, on this score it is our view that the safety and well-being of the people ought to be the utmost consideration regardless of all political inclinations. </p><p><br /></p><p>We, therefore, urge the Ministry Of Health and the Perikatan National government not to deny the people of Penang the opportunity to make themselves available of the Covid-19 vaccination.</p><p><br /></p><p>K. Veeriah </p><p>Secretary </p><p>Malaysian Trade Union Congress </p><p>Penang Division </p><p>016 4184520</p><p>18.5.2021</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gveXUH9sh-vnqtEVDZ7REAn44h0HP03mpDr5RvQfAQjUBUJZZ7bkmkKS3dTRDX97j0cQA4FbZN5WxVafvXCda-4DMQO2k6-hEqw_LHRtQhoE6-GjCkpCrT6tuw-QJ0Z3kVm3Nf9HtJO1/s1200/vaccine-1-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gveXUH9sh-vnqtEVDZ7REAn44h0HP03mpDr5RvQfAQjUBUJZZ7bkmkKS3dTRDX97j0cQA4FbZN5WxVafvXCda-4DMQO2k6-hEqw_LHRtQhoE6-GjCkpCrT6tuw-QJ0Z3kVm3Nf9HtJO1/s320/vaccine-1-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-29714087779698417122021-04-22T08:58:00.004+08:002021-04-22T09:00:57.106+08:00The Minimum Wage Or Living Wage Conundrum.<p><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #fcff01;"> <span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">The Minimum Wage Or Living Wage Conundrum.</span></span></span></p><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #fcff01;"><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">1. Why Was A Minimum Wage System Introduced By The Government?</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">When our government introduced the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 (Act 732) it was intended to address the low wages that was prevailing in the country especially so in the private sector. As we would recollect employers were, then, paying very low basic pay not only in the Klang valley but throughout the country. Pursuant to the said Act, the Minimum Wage Order 2012 was introduced wherein a minimum wage of RM900.00 was established.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Thus, the underlying factor, for the government to introduce the Minimum Wage Order, was to mitigate the unfair low wage system that was prevailing in the country. It was a case of government intervention when the employers failed to pay equitable rates of pay, thus, driving wage levels to what was described as the race to the bottom!</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Fast forward to 2021 and what we need to ask is whether the minimum wage system is still relevant given the fact that wages, even for degree holders, has been compromised on account of the weak employment labour market.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">2. Youth And Graduate Unemployment</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Unemployment, among the youth in 2020 terms, is estimated to be 11.72% whereas total unemployment is hovering in the region of about 4.8%. Even more alarming is that, about 70% of jobs seekers were youths according to a report published by the EIS-UPMCS Center For Future Labour Market Studies.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">According to a Ministry Of Higher Education survey about 10% of fresh graduates were paid between RM1001 to RM1500.00 a month since 2010. The said survey also found that, in 2020, more graduates fell into the said income bracket reaching a decade high value of 22.3%.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">The said statistics, in my view, seems to suggest that low wages, amongst the youth and fresh graduates, has a nexus with the high rate of unemployment among the youth and fresh graduates. With the prevailing economic conditions our youth. and fresh graduates, are forced to accept low wages just to secure a job however incompatible the wage maybe.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Low wages, by any standards, is an indication that our young workers are being exploited on account of the prevailing depressed employment opportunities.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">3. Is The Existing Minimum Wage System Still Relevant?</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">A study, by Bank Negara Malaysia in 2018 has stated that, for a single adult to sustain himself in Kuala Lumpur he would need RM2700.00 a month. The said study has also revealed that a couple without children needs RM4500.00 and a couple with two (2) children would need RM6500.00 a month.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">The said study is based on the consideration of what is termed as a "living wage" - "living wage" defined as the minimum income necessary for a worker to meet his basic needs including food, housing and other basic necessities.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">On the contrary a minimum wage is so set by the government with the aim of protecting workers against unduly low pay.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Given the 2018 Bank Negara study the truth is that the middle and low income (the B40 and M40) workers are not earning sufficient household income to sustain themselves. As a consequence workers are forced to work excessive hours of work - overtime, work on rest-days, public holidays and even working a second job to supplement their household income.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Working prolonged hours, and by extension enhancing production for employers, results in the deterioration of the workers' physical and mental health.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">In my view working prolonged hours of work is as good as modern day slavery wherein, in the absence of a decent sustainable wage for a 8 hour work day, a worker is forced to supplement his income by working excessive overtime, working on rest-days, public holidays and even taking on a second job.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">What, therefore, needs to be postulated is whether the existing Minimum Wage system is still relevant under the circumstances.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">4. A Living Wage Module As Opposed To A Minimum Wage System.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Professor Yeah Kim Leng from the Sunway University Business School has opined that, given the Bank Negara study 2018, workers will need a side income to make ends meet on a minimum wage of RM1200.00 (FMT 28.10.2019).</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">It is, therefore, apparent that workers cannot survive on the current system of a minimum wage of RM1200.00 a month.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Given the said reality what that needs to be deliberated is whether there is a need for a paradigm shift from a "minimum wage" system to a "living wage" module.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">In my opinion the existing National Minimum Wage Council ought to be re-branded to a "National Living Wage Council" with the absolute power to decide on a "living wage" rate of pay without being subservient to the government.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">As no wage system can remain stagnant, a bi-annual revision of the "living wage" as is the existing mechanism in respect of the "minimum wage" ought to continue.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">5. Correlation Between The Rate Of Unionisation And Wage Inequality</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">It is argued, through academic research, that there is a correlation between the rate of unionisation and income inequality - the lower the rate of unionisation, the higher the income inequality.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">In Malaysia it is an indisputable fact that the existing labour laws impedes organising efforts by unions.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Take for example the case of the electronics workers. According to international standards the electronics sector is classified under the E&E (electrical & electronic) sub-sector. Going by that internationally accepted classification the existing Electrical Industry Workers Union (EIWU) ought to have been accorded the right to organize the workers in the electronic sector.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">If the EIWU had been accorded the right to organise the electronics workers, the chances are that wage inequality could have been addressed, substantially, in that sector that employs thousands of workers.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">But the government did not permit the EIWU to organise the electronic workers so as to suppress the numerical strength of the EIWU and, in the process, prepertuate wage inequality in the electronic sector. Ultimately, the government's ploy was to dilute the unionisation of the electronic workers into a regional demography.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">It is, thus, obvious that a fundamental flaw, in the country's income inequality, exist in the correlation between the rate of unionisation in the country.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Where unionised workers are covered by collective agreements, which provides for salary adjustments once in three (3) years, an estimated 93% of the unorganised workers are left at the whims of their employers in granting such periodic salary adjustments. And, where unionised employees are entitled to annual salary increments, by virtue of the collective agreements that are in force, 93% of unorganised workers have no legal right to demand such annual increments from their employers.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">What then is the challenges in matter?</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Until, and unless, laws that curtails organising efforts are removed our trade union movement would continue to function without the strength of numbers. In the absence of laws that would promote a vibrant and progressive labour movement we would continue to function as an ineffective movement to transform the socio-economic position of the working class. Under the circumstances, the trade union movement has to pursue a transformation of the existing repressive labour laws so as to provide a conducive legislative eco-system that would promote unionisation of workers.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">6. CUEPACS - Minimum Wage Of RM1800.00 For Civil Servants</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">An economist, Shankaran Nambiar from the Malaysian Institute Of Economic Research, whilst agreeing that the current minimum wage cannot meet the minimum living standards (of the civil servants) nevertheless was of the view that the government should wait for the economy to improve before raising the minimum wage.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">That, proposition, in my view, is devoid of any probative justification for the simple reason that the government is under an obligation to address the income disparity that is already existing so as to ensure that the civil servants are paid an acceptable "living wage". And, by extension, I would argue that a "living wage" should also be implemented for the private sector workers.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">In parting I would also argue, that, the government must accord CUEPACS the right to collective bargaining pursuant to ILO Conventions 98 read together with Convention 154. CUEPACS, as the single largest trade union organisation representing civil servants, must be given the right to collectively bargain for and on behalf of the civil servants and not be at the mercy of the government to dictate wages and terms and conditions of employment of the civil servants.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Fundamentally, the right, to collective bargaining, must be accorded to CUEPACS consonant with the guiding Conventions of the ILO.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">So, what position should the labour movement take in the circumstances?</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">7. Conclusion</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">The challenges are set-out in clear terms.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Firstly, the labour movement has to, relentlessly, pursue a transformation of the embedded pro-employer labour laws. We need to continue our struggle to ensure that the government confirms with the core ILO labour standards such as Convention 87, 98, 154,190 etc.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Secondly, we need to pursue a holistic realignment of the social-economic policies of the government that has given preference to employers which has margainlised both the working class citizens of the country and the trade union movement.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Thirdly, we need to demand that the out-dated Minimum Wage System be re-calibarated to an "living wage" module based on the 2018 Bank Negara study.</span></span></span><div><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #fcff01;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #fcff01;"><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSANkWvMSF-6rxveWmN7Ee6PHbZXTpdiXYQ8EuT7wZ9hbA0PCPQfMeZXfHDW2DA3xLkNubOq63o9cswTxLc7NpStcSMJk5zkDh0sE3Jb2Tayj1FznjidyCZIKxp7WAcYftKUhXbmNdkmI/" style="background-color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #fcff01;"><img alt="" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="685" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSANkWvMSF-6rxveWmN7Ee6PHbZXTpdiXYQ8EuT7wZ9hbA0PCPQfMeZXfHDW2DA3xLkNubOq63o9cswTxLc7NpStcSMJk5zkDh0sE3Jb2Tayj1FznjidyCZIKxp7WAcYftKUhXbmNdkmI/" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #fcff01;"><br /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Opinion Piece by:-</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">K. Veeriah</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">24, Jalan Goh Swee Huat</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">Taman Bukit</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">14000 Bukit Mertajam</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">016 4184520</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">21.4.2021</span></span></span><div id="m_2350434526792860503ms-outlook-mobile-signature" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-79825071547902974802021-01-19T07:36:00.001+08:002021-01-19T07:36:08.937+08:00Are We Headed For An Escalation In Job Losses, Pay-cuts, Etc Given The Current MCO? -<p> Are We Headed For An Escalation In Job Losses, Pay-cuts, Etc Given The Current MCO? - MTUC Penang Division</p><p><br /></p><p>Just a few days into the current MCO we have been receiving complaints, of workers being asked to consent to pay-cuts, unpaid leave etc. We are not surprised as we were inundated with such depressing complaints during the initial MCO commencing 18.3.2020.</p><p><br /></p><p> Though the government has an inherent responsibility to ensure that the margainlised segment of society are provided with substantial economic assistant, such abject failure is but a blantant dereliction of its duty. Just look at the RM15 billion Permai package announced by the Prime Minister today. </p><p><br /></p><p>Firstly, it lacks depth in providing significant relief to the B40 and M40 citizens. Secondly, the economic deprivation, of those in the informal sector who constitute the largest segment of society, has not been addressed. And the fact remains that they stand deprived of relieves on account of not being captured by the data base on which financial aid is distributed such as the Income Tax, EPF, SOCSO etc. </p><p><br /></p><p>It is appreciated that the government has extended the wage subsidy scheme to all sectors though how much of a relief it would provide to employers is subjective. As it is the hoteliers are lamenting that their woes have not been considered in the latest Permai package.</p><p><br /></p><p>It is an indisputable fact that the most margainlised segment of society are being confronted with the inability to make payments on borrowings. Thus, an extended blanket marotorium would have been a timely relief. Sadly, the government has found it appropriate to leave it at the discretion of the financial institutions.</p><p><br /></p><p>Besides the issues raised herein, what ought to have been a cause for concern, on the part of the government, is not only the increasing rate of unemployment but more so the homeless.</p><p><br /></p><p>And the fact remains that the jobless, and the homeless, are forced to depend on the kindness of sympathetic organisations and individuals for their next meal. Thus, it was not surprising that thousands converged in Putrajaya just to collect a frozen chicken! In our view this single incident epitomises the dire state of financial stress the people are undergoing. Unfortunately, the plight of the jobless and the homeless has not been addressed by the government.</p><p><br /></p><p>We, therefore, take the liberty to suggest that the government formulates a comprehensive financial assistance programme encapsulating the needs of, primarily, the jobless, the homeless and those entrapped in the vicious low and middle income trap.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>K. Veeriah </p><p>Secretary MTUC Penang Division</p><p>016 4184520</p><p>18.1.2021</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-33610321355341020692020-12-20T21:40:00.000+08:002020-12-20T21:40:03.641+08:00TOP GLOVE :::The Death Of Yam Narayan Chaudhary And The Underlying Issues.<p> Press Release By The Malaysian Trades Union Congress, Penang Division - The Death Of Yam Narayan Chaudhary And The Underlying Issues.</p><p><br /></p><p>Yam Narayan Chaudhary, in our view, is a victim of the unacceptable working conditions under which migrant workers toil to eke out a living. Prolonged hours of work, coupled with a neglect of decent living conditions, thus, exposing migrant workers not only to infection of the Covid-19 virus but other communicable infections, probably, has to be the underlying factor for his death.</p><p><br /></p><p>He was employed as a security guard in Top Glove. It has been reported that, due to the absence of thermal scanners, security guards, like the late Yam Narayan Chaudhary, had their work load increased. Without speculating, as to why the lack of thermal scanners, we are inclined to conclude that the company had neglected it's duty of care in the matter. </p><p><br /></p><p>Having registered the single largest Covid-19 cluster, the Teratai cluster that has been attributed to cramped dormitories, it would have been expected of the company to implement all reasonable precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sadly, that seems to be the down side in the circumstances.</p><p><br /></p><p>According to the Director-General of the Ministry Of Health, Yam Narayan Chaudhary, was brought to the hospital with category 4-5 condition described as pneumonia with lung fibrosis. On this issue what needs to be addressed is why such an inordinate delay in sending him for medical attention? It is our view that the company has to be held accountable on the issue as they are vicariously liable in the matter. </p><p><br /></p><p>It may well be argued that the death, of Yam Narayan Chaudhary, is an isolated case but to us it is a wake-up call for all employers. Employers, so much as they are in pursuit of enhancing out-put, cannot abrogate their responsibilities in providing a safe system of work. And, by extension, conducive living conditions as dictated by internationally accepted standards and the Workers' Minimum Standards Of Housing And Amenities Act, 1990. </p><p><br /></p><p>Migrant workers' activist, trade unions and concerned civil society organisations have been advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions and decent housing of workers, even before the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. That legitimate demands were never heeded by the government or the employers. On the contrary such advocates were tagged as "trouble makers"! Having regards to the prevailing state of affairs such advocacy was never misplaced! </p><p><br /></p><p>It is, thus, our demand that both the government and employers discard the primitive notion that workers are a mere component of the means of production. It is also our contention that workers should not be "dehumanised" on account of maximising profits unless both the government, and employers, elect to stand accused of being modern day slave masters!</p><p><br /></p><p>To the family of Yam Narayan Chaudhary MTUC Penang Division extends our heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace in the arms of God almighty.</p><p><br /></p><p>K. Veeriah </p><p>Secretary </p><p>MTUC Penang Division</p><p>016 4184520</p><p>17.12.2020</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-1850001248593245992020-12-03T07:17:00.001+08:002020-12-03T07:17:11.302+08:00Workers' Minimum Standards Of Housing And Amenities Act 1990 And Deplorable Living Conditions <p> Workers' Minimum Standards Of Housing And Amenities Act 1990 And Deplorable Living Conditions </p><p><br /></p><p>After visiting the Top Glove migrant workers dormitories, the Minister Of Human Resources is reported to have said that he found it deplorable. If that be the case, in the the world's largest manufacturer of rubber gloves, we are left wondering whether that would be the state of affairs in all other sectors that depends on migrant workers to roll-out production.</p><p><br /></p><p>MTUC Penang Division wishes to commend the Minister's statement that, the entire labour department's resources would be mobilised to investigate the matter.</p><p><br /></p><p>So much as we appreciate the Minister's concerns what needs to be postulated is whether his ministry would also adopt the same approach in all other sectors be it manufacturing, plantation or construction. </p><p><br /></p><p>Though, the Workers' Minimum Standards Of Housing And Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446), has been around for a long time it is sad that the government has only recognised it's usefulness in reference to the Top Glove Teratai Covid-19 cluster. The announcement, by the senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakop, that the said Act would be enforced immediately is a manifestation of a knee jerk political response whilst the said law ought to have been enforced much, much earlier. </p><p><br /></p><p>Clearly, the Covid-19 pandemic has confirmed the concerns of trade unions, and activist, of the unacceptable living conditions provided to migrant workers. When such concerns were, then, raised by activist we were accused of peddling half truths or, worst still, down right lies. </p><p><br /></p><p>Now that, the Human Resources Minister has seen it for himself, we hope that affirmative action would be forthcoming without fear or favour irregardless of the clout that big corporations so yield. The Honourable Minister's pronouncement should not, we hope, be another public relations exercise - all full of sound and fury but signifying nothing!</p><p><br /></p><p>In conclusion we also call upon the government to pay attention to the living conditions of the undocumented migrant workers and domestic workers who have not being given due recognition to their contributions in sustaining economic activities of the nation. They remain ostracised only on account of their non-documented status. And, in the case of domestic workers, their exclusion from protection under the prevailing legal framework. </p><p><br /></p><p>Though, that be the case there is no justification for the government to deny them their basic right to acceptable living conditions, access to health care and social security protection.</p><p><br /></p><p>Our nation cannot lay claim, to being part of the international community, if it abrogates it's moral obligations to the millions of non-documented migrant workers who have been toiling to sustain the country's economic transformation. They, too, are an integral composition of the nation's economic endeavours and, as such, ought to be accorded due recognition per se. </p><p><br /></p><p>K. Veeriah</p><p>Secretary </p><p>Malaysian Trades Union Congress </p><p>Penang Division </p><p>016 4184520</p><p>2.12.2020</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-76412200583045373402020-11-30T22:13:00.000+08:002020-11-30T22:13:43.513+08:00Will The 2021 Budget Be Defeated?<p> Will The 2021 Budget Be Defeated?</p><p><br /></p><p>Tabling a national budget is but a circus act. As in the travelling company of acrobats, clowns, jugglers, magicians etc the ring master takes center stage. And, during the entire performance, he has to keep the audience captivated to the multi talents that are on show. He, however, is but a mere show-man executing the choreography designed by others.</p><p><br /></p><p>That, obviously, has been the role of our Finance Minster!</p><p><br /></p><p> Listening to the Finance Minster tabling the 2021 budget I was reminded of his role as a ring master - a show-man acting out the choreography so scripted by the politicians to whom he was beholden.</p><p><br /></p><p>To me he failed as an acrobat, a juggler, a magician as the budget he tabled lacked the depth of diversity, inclusiveness and objectivity so required especially so when the nation is under siege from the Covid-19 pandemic.</p><p><br /></p><p>Take his magical act of allowing workers to dip into their old age retirement funds, the EPF.</p><p><br /></p><p> Going by the EPF's own disclosure a vast majority of contributors would not have adequate savings to sustain themselves post retirement. Inspite of such a reality he elected to pull the rabbit out of his hat to, magically, claim that the government has extended financial assistance to the most margainlised segment of society. That, in my view, is the most disgusting rabbit-out-of-the hat act ever! </p><p><br /></p><p>His juggling, in the allocation to race based affirmative action, is but a disaster! This winded-up ring master as he is, played race and religious centric politics in depositing billions to the benefit of a selective community whilst handing out pittance to others. On this score, too, he ought to stand labelled as a clown of the first order. </p><p><br /></p><p>Whilst the B40 and M40 citizens are facing the reality of either no sustainable disposal income or a very much reduced one, this clown deems it fit to not to extend a blanket marotorium on loans. His magical formula, in a nutshell, is if you want an extension, you sort it out with the financial institution!</p><p><br /></p><p>Under relentless pressure, from both side of the political divide, this lackadaisical ring master resorted to goodies from thin air - say RM50.00 more here, there and everywhere without so much as an explanation as to how the sum total of the tabled budget would be re-calibarated.</p><p><br /></p><p>Whilst he kept to the choreographed script, in announcing one-off incentive to the frontliners involved in the Covid-19 pandemic, his juggling act found no traction in the case of the out-sourced workers who are also involved in the front line in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. </p><p><br /></p><p>Insipte of his bungling acts, as a juggler, an acrobat, a magician, a trapeze artist and an incompetent ring master he was left of the hook by the headless horsemen (remember "The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow") in the opposition at the policy stage of the budget.</p><p><br /></p><p>What ought to be intriguing is whether the outrageous, monolithic and discriminatory 2021 budget would be passed by parliament. That is, of course, left to the wisdom of our Members Of Parliament including our opposition.</p><p><br /></p><p>In the circus the most anticipated act is when a lone man handles the lions and tigers and safely too. That act would bring down the curtains. And, without fail the cats put up an awesome show. Thus, it would be interesting to see whether our opposition "big cats" maul the trainer or roll over at the sound of his whip! </p><p><br /></p><p>Let's wait for the show to end!</p><p><br /></p><p>Opinion piece:-</p><p><br /></p><p>K. Veeriah</p><p>24, Jalan Goh Swee Huat </p><p>Taman Bukit </p><p>14000 Bukit Mertajam </p><p>016 4184520</p><p>30.11.2020</p>salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837543728822957314.post-7122275942913040452020-11-17T10:46:00.001+08:002020-11-17T10:46:47.459+08:00Malaysian union victorious after seven year battle over unfair dismissals | IndustriALL<a href="http://www.industriall-union.org/malaysian-union-victorious-after-seven-year-battle-over-unfair-dismissals#.X7M5ge_XlYo.blogger">Malaysian union victorious after seven year battle over unfair dismissals | IndustriALL</a>: The National Union of Transport Equipment and Allied Industries Workers (NUTEAIW) has emerged victorious after seven years of legal battles fighting the unfair dismissal of 18 members for exercising their political rights.salam solidarity (fauzi ibrahim)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09396134857921750655noreply@blogger.com1