KUCHING: Workers would be hopeful for labour law reforms in Budget 2020, sounded Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak chairman Mohammad Ibrahim Hamid.
Listing Sarawak MTUC’s wishes with regard to these reforms, he proposed to remove the limitation on forming a union in only a ‘similar’ trade, occupation or industry as well as removing restrictions on collective bargaining.
He also called for an easier recognition process and a direct reference to Industrial Court.
“There should be a creation of an Employment Appeal Court only for labour matters,” he stated.
In addition to this, Sarawak MTUC felt that the secret ballot threshold for strikes should be reduced.
“Limit the discretion of the DGTU (Director-General of Trade Unions) in determining whether a strike would contravene provision of law,” Ibrahim suggested.
He proposed to remove penal sanctions for peaceful strikes and also to limit industries that are essential services in which strikes are controlled.
“Ensure that the use of subcontracting or outsourcing is not used to circumvent the rights of association or collective bargaining.
“Ensure principal employers are accountable to ensure rights for workers who are provided by a labour outsourcing company or a contract-for-labour,” he sounded.
Ibrahim also proposed a requirement for subcontracting and outsourcing arrangements to be made in writing and be subject to verification by the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR).
“Remove outsourcing of foreign workers recruitment,” he proposed, adding that no foreign workers should be brought in unless issued with the approval of the Director of Labour.
Ibrahim also expressed support for two matters which had previously been proposed by MTUC secretary-general J Solomon, namely raising the mandatory retirement age to 65 and introducing a RM500 minimum monthly cost of living allowance (Cola) for all workers.
Budget 2020 will be tabled in Parliament on Oct 11.
