AS economies develop, labour union membership is dwindling. 

However, unionists insist they remain relevant in this age of automation and digitisation.

According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), labour union membership among its members was at 30% in 1985 but that figure dropped to just 17% in 2017.

In Malaysia, only 6% of its 14.5 million workers in 2017 were unionised, according to the Trade Unions Department.

“Automation and scaling down of jobs have led to the decline in membership,” said National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) assistant general-secretary A. Karuna.

“Digitisation, robotics, artificial intelligence and outsourcing of jobs in the banking industry have reduced NUBE’s membership,” said the Malaysia Trades Union Congress council member.

NUBE’s membership now stands at around 22,000 from a peak of 40,000, she said.

Karuna said the situation is worsened by the union-busting moves of certain banks.  

“This is through artificial promotions, as the employees are given different designations although the job scope remains.

“Another example is how one bank has begun outsourcing Malaysian operations to countries, such as India, which has a lower cost,” said Karuna.

But the full-time unionist insists unions remain relevant despite their decline.

“People don’t always realise this but the union is an important balancing force to hold employers responsible for their workers.

“And although there are more gig economies coming up, the unions’ relevance remain, although it’s a challenge trying to organise them,” said Karuna.

Malaysia has a tripartite labour system, where labour policies are formulated and implemented by the government. 

Trade unions and employer federations then give advice and participate in government advisory commissions, such as the Minimum Wage Council.

Out of sight, out of mind 

Southern Regional Executive Electronic Union executive secretary Muhammad Zul Fadlee also thinks unions are relevant. 

“People don’t think of the union until they have problems. But that’s where we still play an important role,” said Zul.

He said although many workers are not unionised, they still need help during employment disputes.

“We get between 15 and 20 people coming to seek help every day,” said the Johor-based unionist.

Because they are not unionised, many of these people don’t know what to do when they are terminated or face harassment.

“When their cases are referred to the Labour Department or the Industrial Relations Department, they don’t know what to do.

“At this point, the Labour and IR Departments will call us in so that we can advise or represent them,” said the 47-year-old.

The electronics workers’ unionist said more cases come up whenever there’s an economic downturn, as companies retrench or even close down.

“But not all these companies are responsible enough to do what is right for their workers. This is where the union steps in to advise the workers on their rights.”

But Zul said while the need for unions will always be there, the decline in membership is worrying.

“Many people don’t see the need for a union unless they get terminated or for collective bargaining purposes. Some feel there’s no need because the companies they are working for are treating them well.

“Which is why MTUC is partnering American labour activists, Solidarity Centre, to go around the country to educate workers on the relevance of unions.”

He said there are workers who need to be organised.

“While there’s some decline in the traditional sectors, I believe there’s some positive signs, too. During the roadshows, we have been getting requests from those employed in retail, security and the gig economy to get organised.

“So, maybe as jobs are changing, unions, too, need to cater for different types of workers,” said Zul. – December 17, 2019.