Latest news with #MTUC
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
MTUC S'wak calls for swift resolution to union leadership stalemate
MTUC Sarawak has urged the Joint Special Committee (JBK) overseeing MTUC operations to prioritise resolving the leadership impasse and refrain making statements that may confuse workers and stakeholders. KUCHING (June 5): The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak has urged the Joint Special Committee (JBK) overseeing MTUC operations to prioritise resolving the leadership impasse and refrain making statements that may confuse workers and stakeholders. In a statement, MTUC Sarawak stressed that the committee ― established under a court order has been given a specific mandate to conduct the MTUC Special Delegates Conference within three months. 'Unfortunately, the election that was initially scheduled for May has been postponed to August,' it said. MTUC Sarawak lamented that the delay resulted in MTUC missing the opportunity to send a representative to the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland ― a global tripartite platform that brings together governments, employers and workers. 'This is the first time in history that MTUC gas failed to send an official workers' representative due to a leadership crisis, which has left the union without formal representation,' it added. The congress urged all parties within MTUC to focus solely on holding the long-overdue election. 'MTUC must returned to being a credible and respected organisation that champions workers' rights. Priority must be given to transparency, fairness, and an immediate resolution to ensure that MTUC can once again operate effectively,' read the statement. Despite the absence of a workers' representative at the ILC, MTUC Sarawak noted that Malaysia remains committed to protecting workers' rights through ongoing legislative and policy reforms. These include amendments to the Sarawak Labour and Sabah Labour Ordinances ― extending protections to all workers regardless of income level or job type ― as well as a 13 per cent increase in the minimum wage and the extension of social security coverage to foreign workers. 'It is therefore crucial that the MTUC's leadership resolve its internal issues promptly so that the voice of Malaysian workers can regain its rightful place on the international stage,' it said. The congress also reiterated that the upcoming election must be conducted fairly, transparently, and within the court-mandated timeframe. 'A strong and united labour movement not only benefits local workers but also enhances Malaysia's competitiveness in the global labour market,' it added. The post MTUC S'wak calls for swift resolution to union leadership stalemate appeared first on Borneo Post Online.
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
SBEU calls out committee overseeing MTUC for 'overstepping mandate' on congress exclusion from ILC
Andrew Lo KUCHING (June 4): The Sarawak Bank Employees Union (SBEU) has criticised the Joint Special Committee (JBK) overseeing the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) for allegedly overstepping its mandate by protesting the government's decision to exclude MTUC from the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland. SBEU chief executive officer Andrew Lo said the union had been made aware that the JBK had misused its platform to issue a protest statement. 'We are very concerned at such a statement as this is not within the mandate of the Joint Special Committee to nominate any officials to be a delegate. 'In absence of such a nomination, the government is unable to grant credentials from MTUC,' he said in a statement. Lo, who is also Labour Law Reform Coalition (LLRC) deputy president, pointed out that the JBK was only empowered to conduct a Special Delegate Conference to elect new MTUC office bearers, and to administer MTUC affairs temporarily. 'On 21 Feb 2025, pursuant to a High Court Order (with the consent of the disputing parties), a Joint Special Committee shall be formed for the Malaysian Trades Union Congress with very specific role to conduct a Special Delegate Conference to elect new office bearers. 'Such Special Delegate Conference shall be carried out within 90 days from February 21, 2025, to i.e. May 22, 2025. 'It is unfortunate that the Joint Special Committee was unable to conduct the Special Delegate Conference within the stipulated time. As a result, as to date, there is no new officer bearers to carry out the functions of MTUC.' He stressed that by the consent order, the JBK's only role was to hold the Special Delegate Conference and to perform administration of MTUC until May 22 this year. 'It does not give the Joint Special Committee the mandate to nominate anyone to be a delegate of, or to represent MTUC, at any conference or organisation. 'Such actions may be seen as contempt of Court and MTUC may be sanctioned by the court,' he said. Lo stressed that it is imperative that MTUC gets its internal issues in order. 'This is so that we can play our proper role to represent the interest of workers in Malaysia. 'These should be the priority instead of harping about attending a foreign conference,' he said. On June 3, MTUC JBK chairman J Solomon in a statement had expressed shock over the failure of the Ministry of Human Resources to include MTUC, which is the official workers' representative in the official Malaysian delegation, in the ILC for the first time ever. 'The ministry has registered 40 government officials and eight employer representatives, but not a single representative from MTUC. 'This is a clear violation of the ILO Constitution, which requires full tripartite representation,' he said. He described the exclusion as an 'extreme embarrassment to Malaysia and the ministry officials especially when it is currently the chairman of the Asean.' 'It is an action that equates to backward countries like of Myanmar,' he said. He said MTUC has since filed a formal complaint with the ILO Credentials Committee over this serious breach.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
No MTUC rep at International Labour Congress due to internal crisis, says source
PETALING JAYA: The internal leadership crisis within the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is said to be the reason why there are no representatives from the congress at the 113th International Labour Congress (ILC), in Geneva, Switzerland. According to a source, this technical issue allows the special joint committee (JBK) to carry out elections, but it cannot represent MTUC or negotiate with any third party. The source also said the JBK was supposed to bring forward the election to May, but it was postponed until August. As a result, for the first time in history, no union representatives were allowed to attend the ILC. However, the source also said that J. Solomon, who is the MTUC Joint Special Committee chairman had no authority to issue any statement on behalf of the congress. In February this year, the MTUC said it had dismissed its president, Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani, over allegations of misconduct. The decision was made during a meeting on Jan 19 after MTUC's disciplinary committee presented its investigation findings and deliberated on the matter. On Tuesday (June 3), Solomon expressed shock and dismay at Human Resources Minister Steven Sim's decision to exclude them from the ILC, which is the official workers' representative, from the Malaysian delegation. In a statement, he said this exclusion is a "clear violation" of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Constitution, which mandates full tripartite representation involving government, employers, and workers. 'For the first time this year, the ministry has failed to include MTUC, the official representative of workers, in the official Malaysian delegation. 'This action is very embarrassing for Malaysia and the ministry officials, especially when Malaysia is the Asean chairman. 'The ministry has registered 40 government officials and eight employer representatives, but there is not a single representative from MTUC at this conference. This is a violation of the ILO Constitution, which requires full tripartite representation,' he said. MTUC has filed an official complaint with the ILO Credentials Committee regarding this serious violation, Solomon added. The MTUC further alleged that the ministry received the ILO invitation on Feb 25, and while it forwarded the invitation to the Malaysian Employers Federation, it ignored repeated requests from the congress. Despite this, the MTUC managed to gather nominations from four affiliates and submitted the names to the ministry on May 9. 'This year, Malaysia was also listed among 24 countries accused of violating ILO Convention 98 (Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining). The Committee on the Application of Standards will examine this case during this session. 'The absence of official workers' representatives from Malaysia only worsens the situation and weakens our country's credibility on the international platform. 'This has never happened in the history of Malaysia, where a Minister has excluded workers' representatives from such an important tripartite international platform,' Solomon said. The MTUC has called Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to intervene immediately and instruct his Cabinet minister to respect international obligations. They argued that Malaysian workers, as taxpayers, deserve proper representation at the ILC.
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.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Know your rights under amended labour law, MTUC Sarawak tells workers
Zaidi says that the changes are a clear indication of Sarawak's recognition of the vital role workers play in driving economic growth. KUCHING (May 23): The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak has called on all workers in the state to proactively understand and assert their rights under the newly amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance, which came into effect on May 1. MTUC Sarawak chairman Zaidi Nasar stated that the changes are a clear indication of Sarawak's recognition of the vital role workers play in driving economic growth. 'As a state that continues to rapidly develop since achieving independence, Sarawak has a responsibility to ensure social justice and workers' well-being are safeguarded. 'Empowering the workforce is a key factor in building a sustainable economy, and compliance with the Sarawak Labour Ordinance is the foundation for a fairer and safer work environment,' he said in a statement. Among the key updates in the ordinance are the expansion of protection to all workers regardless of wage level or sector, the extension of maternity leave from 60 to 98 days, and the introduction of a seven-day paternity leave provision. Working hours have also been reduced from 48 to 45 hours per week to improve work-life balance. Additionally, sick leave and hospitalisation leave have now been separated, with 14 days of sick leave and 60 days of hospitalisation leave, totalling 74 days – an increase from the previous 60-day combined provision. Other progressive measures include stronger provisions against discrimination, forced labour and sexual harassment as well as improved regulations for flexible work arrangements and workers' rights to safe accommodation. The ordinance also mandates six compulsory public holidays, including National Day, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday, the Birthday of the Rulers or Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Labour Day, Malaysia Day, and one other state-designated public holiday. In view of this, Zaidi stressed the importance of close cooperation among workers, employers and authorities to ensure the smooth implementation of the ordinance and that Sarawak's workforce fully benefits from the change. As such, he said several positive steps can be taken such as increasing awareness through briefings and workshops; advocating for workers facing injustice; fostering open dialogue between employees and employers; ensuring robust enforcement and monitoring; and engaging the wider community and unions to uphold labour rights. 'MTUC is committed to ensuring that every worker in Sarawak receives proper protection and enjoys a fair and safe working environment. 'The future of Sarawak depends on a healthy and secure workforce, and compliance with the Labour Ordinance is the foundation for shared success.' labour law lead MTUC workers' rights Zaidi Nasar
