3 days ago
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.
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