๐๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ ๐๐จ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐งโ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ก๐๐ก ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ
Labour Law Reform Coalition wishes all workers in Malaysia a Happy Labour Day.
We commend the government for implementing the RM1,500 minimum wage decisively, but unfortunately domestic workers are again excluded. We urge the government to further amend the minimum wage order to include domestic workers.
Today, workers in Malaysia are facing a huge challenge to attain decent living wage, safer and healthier working environment because of lacking bargaining power.
First, we have a set of regressive and draconian labour laws inherited from the colonialists, which unreasonably restrict workersโ right to form unions of their own choice and right to strike.
Second, the general populationโs awareness on workersโ rights is low as we donโt have an effective popular labour education whether among labour groups or in our education system.
Third, the widespread violation of the rights of migrant workers, particularly forced labour, cannot longer be ignored by the labour movement.
Fourth, the Covid-19 pandemic exposed many weaknesses of our social protection system including lack of investment in healthcare, food banks and unemployment insurance.
To address these challenges, we must strengthen our labour movement by promoting a culture of inclusiveness and cooperation among trade unions, workersโ organisations, NGOs and global partners.
Without a unified labour movement and a theory of change we cannot win this battle.
Therefore, we call on all trade unions, workersโ organisations and NGOs to work closely to reform our labour laws until it is on par with the International Labour Standards. We need to work on a popular labour education as a strategy to stimulate organizing and collective bargaining.
Letโs extend our solidarity with migrant workers and make efforts to fight forced labour at workplaces. We must continue to advocate for increased social expenditure to ensure a decent healthcare system, food security for all and adequate unemployment insurance scheme.
N. Gopal Kishnam
Chairperson
Labour Law Reform Coalition