Cuepacs: 42-hour workweek helps protect healthcare workers' well-being
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said the move was also in line with the spirit of Malaysia Madani, which prioritises compassion, welfare, and the well-being of the people and civil servants.
"This move shows that the government is listening to and understands the voices and concerns raised by trade unions and healthcare workers, who struggle daily on the front lines to save lives, regardless of time or circumstance.
"Cuepacs believes that maintaining the 42-hour workweek will not only help safeguard the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of healthcare workers, but also ensure that the quality of public healthcare services remains at the highest level," he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, the Public Service Department announced that the government had agreed to exempt five critical service schemes under the Health Ministry from the implementation of a 45-hour shift workweek, allowing them to retain their existing 42-hour week instead.
The exemption covers 82,637 frontline personnel, including nurses, community nurses, emergency department medical officers, assistant medical officers and healthcare assistants.
Adnan added that Cuepacs will also continue to champion the welfare of public servants in line with the nation's aspirations.
"We thank the government for continuing to provide space for negotiations and for listening to the voice of trade unions in policymaking related to the civil service."
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