Latest news with #MalaysianTradesUnionCongress


New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
MTUC delegates should vote for those with a proven track record
LETTERS: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) will hold its Special Delegates' Conference (SDC) on Aug 2 and 3, where it will be no exaggeration to say that the future existence of the MTUC will be at stake. The challenges faced by trade union leaders in the country to be independent, resourceful and brave are daunting, though not new. Former MTUC leaders such as Dr. V. David, Ahmad Nor, Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud and A.H. Ponniah, to name a few, had constantly and consistently stood up for the rights of workers and the institution of trade unionism. Thus, the SDC is no ordinary delegates' conference as office bearers are elected. This time, delegates must ensure history does not repeat itself when teams are formed before the MTUC elections, often consisting of strange bedfellows who were elected almost wholly or predominantly into office. Once at the helm, a split within the leadership happens - first insidiously and then openly. The main activity of the MTUC then becomes leaders fighting among one another. The people who pay the price are the low-income workers in the country. Thus, when the delegates cast their votes at the upcoming SDC, they would do well to not vote along team lines. Votes should be cast in favour of those who can best do the job. By that I mean those who have a track record of doing productive trade union work – advocating for changes in policies and legislation, increasing the membership of their unions through organising efforts, fiercely engaging in collective bargaining and not flinching or compromising when members have been wronged or unjustly treated. MTUC will be better served if the delegates elect office bearers who are from different teams, or, for that matter, who are standing for elections without presenting themselves as part of any team. The leadership which has caused the current dysfunction of the MTUC, where their selfish interests were placed ahead of those of the workers, should be rejected by the delegates. If they are elected again, we can only expect history to repeat itself. I believe that the MTUC, through the mature decision of its delegates in the coming SDC, will be resurrected to its rightful place and serve as the bastion of workers' rights in the country.


Focus Malaysia
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
MTUC slams Steven Sim over fiasco of workers' representation at ILC Geneva
THE Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has escalated criticism of Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, accusing him of misusing government resources to exclude MTUC from the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, June 2-13, 2025. MTUC's J Solomon claims Sim deliberately blocked worker representation to avoid scrutiny of Malaysia's labor laws, which allegedly violate ILO Convention 98. 'The fact remains that the minister has failed to ensure that Malaysian workers' representatives were registered at the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC),' Solomon said in a statement today. According to the MTUC, the minister's actions were designed to sidestep scrutiny of Malaysia's labor laws, which the report allegedly highlights as flawed, particularly in terms of anti-union discrimination and other shortcomings. Additionally, Solomon asserted that if Sim were 'sincere' in wanting to ensure workers' representation at the ILC, the minister would have contacted the MTUC as soon as it received the invitation from the ILO. 'The minister did not do so then, but is giving excuses now. Instead of focusing on what the important issues are for Malaysia in this ILC, to improve the labour laws for better industrial relations and national development, his attention is on denying MTUC its rightful place in the ILC,' he alleged. In response, the ministry argues the MTUC joint special committee lacks authority to appoint delegates, a stance Solomon calls misleading and intrusive. —June 8, 2025 Main image: J Soloman (Facebook)


Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
MTUC Sarawak urges Petronas to prioritise worker welfare during retrenchment
Zaidi Nasar KUCHING (June 8): The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak has urged Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) to prioritise workers' well-being and conduct the retrenchment process responsibly. In a statement today, Its chairman Zaidi Nasar emphasised that workers are vital assets to the country's economy and their well-being must be given priority. He suggested that Petronas and the government offer new skills training to help workers transition into other industries such as green energy, digital technology and entrepreneurship. Zaidi also proposed temporary financial assistance through social protection schemes such as Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) to help workers during this transition. 'Petronas can collaborate with other companies in the energy industry to assist in the relocation of workers through job matching and specialised training,' he said. Recognising the stress retrenchment can cause, he added, 'Psychological support and counseling should be provided through government or employer programmes.' This statement was issued in response to Petronas' decision to retrench about 5,000 workers, mostly those on contract, as part of its restructuring measures. Zaidi highlighted that retrenched workers face uncertainty in securing new employment, especially in an increasingly competitive industry. He stressed that Petronas and the government must ensure that affected workers receive compensation in accordance with the Employment Act 1955 or Collective Agreement, including notice pay, termination benefits, payment of annual leave balance and balance of wages, if any. Employers, he noted, are required to provide adequate notice of termination as stipulatedin the service contract or the Employment Act 1955. Furthermore, he said that trade unions must be involved in negotiations to ensure that workers receive appropriate protection and assistance. 'The government must provide various initiatives such as retraining programmes and financial assistance to workers affected by retrenchment,' he added. Zaidi said MTUC Sarawak will continue to work toward ensuring that workers' rights are protected and finding the best way to address retrenchment issues. lead Malaysian Trades Union Congress Petronas retrenchment Zaidi Nasar


New Straits Times
07-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
No worker representation at ILC due to lack of MTUC leadership, says ministry
PUTRAJAYA: There is no worker representation in the Malaysian delegation to the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, due to there being no official leadership in the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC). The Human Resources Ministry said in a statement today that claims that the government deliberately excluded the participation of MTUC representatives were unfounded, misleading and malicious. The ministry added that the Court of Appeal had on Feb 21 ordered the MTUC to hold fresh leadership elections within 90 days, which will be managed by a joint special committee (JBK). "The election that was supposed to be held in May has been postponed to Aug 10, resulting in MTUC not having an official leadership to represent workers on any official platform, including the ILC," it added. The ministry said the JBK, which was specifically established to handle the re-election process, has no mandate to make policy decisions or nominate representatives for international forums. "The nomination of names by the JBK to the ILC is outside the jurisdiction granted by the court and has been objected to by several MTUC affiliate members," it clarified. The ministry also emphasised that the selection of the Malaysian delegation to the ILC was made transparently based on the guidelines of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as well as legal advice from the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) regarding MTUC's current status. "The ministry calls for the MTUC re-elections to be promptly resolved to protect the image of the workers' union movement and ensure Malaysia's complete participation in the ILC next year," it said. – BERNAMA


The Sun
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
MTUC gears up for special delegates conference in August
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is set to host its Special Delegates Conference (SDC) on August 2 and 3 in Shah Alam. Currently, the MTUC's operations are overseen by a Joint Special Committee (JSC). This committee was established through a Court Consent Order, resolving a dispute that had nullified the previously elected office bearers. The JSC's mandate includes managing the MTUC's administration and organizing the upcoming SDC. JSC chairman, J. Solomon, announced that all affiliated unions have been asked to submit their delegate lists, proposed motions, and nominations for principal officials by June 12, 2025. Notices have been dispatched via mail and are also being publicized through the press to ensure broad and timely distribution. Solomon urged all stakeholders to support the JSC as it fulfills its responsibilities leading up to the August 3 conference. Affiliates needing assistance during this period are encouraged to contact JSC members, MTUC staff, or industrial relations practitioners.