Too Many Unions Will Cause Issues to Workers and Union?
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A coalition of trade unions argued that the second reading of the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2022 should be deferred as it does not create a favourable atmosphere for industrial relations.
The second reading is slated for the upcoming session of the parliament, which will begin on July 18.
The Coalition Against Multiplicity of Unions (CAMU) stated in a statement on June 25 that the Bill and the Industrial Relations Act of 1967 (IRA) are "about control of unions as if unions are some destructive or terrorist-minded organisations bent on destroying the Malaysian economy and causing chaos".
"Unions operating in an environment of C87 and Convention No. 98 (C98) are not destructive, as seen in the Scandinavian countries. As proven, collective bargaining helps national development, which promotes equitable distribution of wealth and union democracy," the coalition stated.
The results of IRA restrictions and intervention
According to CAMU, the marginalisation and dwindling rate of trade union density in Malaysia are the results of IRA restrictions and intervention, which allow employers and regulators to decide whether a union would be given due recognition.
"Such powers given to employers and the government violate C87. It will greatly harm the solidarity of trade unions and weaken the bargaining power of workers and unions. The ultimate losers and victims will be the poor and downtrodden workers and marginalise them," it said.
CAMU said the "destructive outcomes" of a multiplicity of trade unions are not just to employees and unions but to the economy too.
"Inter-union and intra-union rivalries create industrial strain and conflict that cause industrial disharmony," it added.
The government didn't conduct RIA issued in 2013
CAMU further stated that the government neglected to conduct its regulatory impact analysis (RIA) issued in 2013 before the amendments were tabled.
"The RIA stipulates that any proposed new, or changes to, regulations will involve consultation with stakeholders. Further, the National Labour Advisory Council, a national tripartite body, had not met in over two years," it said.
The CAMU highlighted the requirement for all parties involved to end any limitations and interferences that had been hindering a rise in the density of unions.
"That should be the priority, not institute multiplicity that would cause double jeopardy to the trade unions and workers," it said.
CAMU comprises 35 unions, including the National Union of Bank Employees, All Malayan Estates Staff Union, National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Workers Union, and Railwaymen Union of Malaysia, in addition to the Union Network International-Malaysia Labour Centre.
Source: The Edge Markets