DAP Speaks Out Against 'Union Busting'

Employers warned against union busting

Neesha Sangara

 | October 7, 2014

DAP calls on employers not to sack workers just because they speak against the management or stage a picket.

PETALING JAYA: Today is World Day for Decent Work (WDDW) and a call has gone out to employers to stop union busting.

Executive Secretary to DAP Malaysia’s International Affairs Bureau Howard Lee Chuan How said the workforce must stand in solidarity with MAS and their workers over the post-crisis challenges of MH370 and MH17 that resulted in the axing of up to 6,000 jobs.

“It must however, not be forgotten that four members including the president of the National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (NUFAM) were sacked in connection with a statement made to the media by the Union, which amongst others suggested that MAS’ chief executive officer should resign,” he said.

Saying DAP condemned this form of union busting, Lee also demanded the government provide an “ultimate answer to this, as MAS is a government-linked company”.

He also pointed out the recent sackings of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) staff for staging a picket on May 9 to exert pressure on KTMB president Elias Kadir to resign because of his dismal performance.

“Section 40 of the Industrial Relations Act (IRA) 1967 is very clear that the right to picket belongs to the union. The management cannot sack union members for picketing as that is a legitimate activity and the right of union workers,” stressed Lee.

“DAP condemns this archaic and illegal sacking of workers who are exercising their legally ordained right. Again, KTMB is a government-linked company and the government must answer,” he said.

The WDDW was first introduced by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in June 1999 and covers areas like fair income, workplace security and social protection for families. - FMT News, 7/10/2014, Employers warned against union busting