Right To Participate In Peaceful Assemblies Is Constitutionally Guaranteed Right Of Workers – Employers Should Never Deny Workers Our Rights and Freedoms
Article 10 of the Federal Constitution guarantees the rights of
every citizen to freedom of speech, expression, assembly and to form
association. The Government of Malaysia is entrusted with the
responsibilities to ensure that these fundamental rights are in no way
compromised.
Workers, including those in the public sector, are human beings, and
have the right and freedom to actively participate in political,
socio-economic and cultural life of the nation. All workers have the
right to freedom of expression, opinion and to participate in peaceful
assembly.
Workers also have the right to call on and lobby the government,
including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Parliamentarians, State
Assemblypersons, political parties and politicians. Alternatively,
workers also have the right to seek the assistances from potential
candidates who may be elected as peoples’ representatives, corporations
and others stakeholders to highlight the injustices and wrongdoings, as
well as in campaigning for better workers’ rights including matters that
will facilitate better working conditions, safety and other rights.
Employers must never make the exercise of these fundamental rights by
workers turn into employment misconduct or an alleged ‘breach’ of
contract, to justify dismissal or penalizing workers. MTUC deplores the
action of the DRB Hicom companies in Pekan for terminating employment of
about 18 workers. These workers merely took part in an MTUC sanctioned
action during their own time for promoting their choice of contesting
candidate’s in the then coming General Election in 2013. The same
company also terminated a senior employee for approaching the Prime
Minister for assistance in resolving the dispute with the company.
The above case is not isolated. Over the past years, many trade union
leaders and workers have been wrongfully dismissed and/or penalized by
their employers for expressing their opinion and highlighting alleged
wrongdoings and injustice by employers. Workers have been dismissed
and/or disciplinary action taken for reason such as being seen having a
discussion with their fellow workers and/or members of union,
participating on online closed forum/debates. These activities are
recognized, essential and legitimate for trade union activities. It is
wrong for employers to use these ‘trade union activities’ as
justification for getting rid of worker’s leaders. Even the
participation of workers in peaceful assembly in front of government
office is used by some employers as a justification for disciplinary
actions.
Union busting and victimizing workers have escalated over the years.
To name a few, workers and Union leaders from Electronic Industry
Employees Union Western Region, Peninsular Malaysia (EIEUWR), National
Union of Banking Employees (NUBE), National Union of Flight Attendants
Malaysia (NUFAM), Railwaymen’s Union of Malaysia (RUM), National Union
of Tobacco Industry Workers (NUTIW), Kesatuan Pekerja-pekerja Alam Flora
(Alam flora) and the National Union of Transport Equipment & Allied
Industries Workers (NUTEAIW) have been adversely affected by employers
action for merely carrying out their rights in Trade Union activities.
MTUC reiterates that workers’ right to freedom of expression,
opinion, peaceful assembly and to form association must always be
respected and upheld. Acting according to our conscience for a better
Malaysia is a duty and obligation of all of us. MTUC urges the
Government and the police to uphold these basic rights of us. It’s time
for Employers too, to respect our fundamental rights, choices and
freedom. Any denial and/or hindrances to these rights must be STOPPED.
Sincerely,
N. Gopal Kishnam
Secretary General
Tel: + 6 019 317 4717
Email: gopalkishnam@gmail.com
Source: MTUC Website
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