Perak backs union drive for private sector workers
State Health, Human Resources, National Integration, and Indian Community Affairs Committee Chairman A. Sivanesan said the state government is also allocating a special provision of RM5,000 to assist workers in establishing unions.
He said the initiative aims to promote industrial harmony, particularly with the development of at least five new industrial zones expected to generate over 30,000 job opportunities.
"Unions are formed in workplaces to ensure industrial harmony. Through unions, workers can negotiate for salary adjustments every two years, as well as address issues related to health and leave entitlements.
"Many employers still fear the presence of unions. I have instructed the Perak Union Affairs Department to represent the state government in assisting workers throughout the union formation process.
"Any matters concerning union formation or legal issues under the Trade Unions Act 1959 will be handled directly by my office," he told reporters here today.
Sivanesan said there are currently about 1.25 million workers in Perak, including civil servants.
However, he said fewer than eight percent of private sector employees are union members.
He added that the state government aims to increase this figure to at least 10 percent over the next three years.
"With the influx of approximately 30,000 new workers expected from upcoming industrial projects in Proton City, Lumut Maritime Industrial City, and the Kinta Industrial Park, the importance of forming unions cannot be overstated," he said.
Sivanesan also reassured employers that concerns about strikes are largely unfounded.
"Strikes are extremely difficult to carry out due to the strict procedures outlined in the Industrial Relations Act 1967.
"In fact, there have been no major strikes in the past 45 years," he added.
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