MUHYIDDIN Yassin’s administration must review amendments to the Industrial Relations Act (IRA) under Pakatan Harapan which can lead to “union-busting”, said the Malaysian Trades Union Congress.

MTUC urged the new prime minister to consult unions and employers, saying the previous human resources minister, M. Kula Segaran had failed to do.

“The previous minister pushed through bad laws, particularly when amending IRA. He failed to consult the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) where the MTUC and the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) are represented. On numerous occasions, he ignored the spirit of tripartism as contained in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) charter and attempted to dilute the role and responsibility of the MTUC.

“Several changes to the IRA advocated by the previous minister that were rushed through Parliament last October will lead to union-busting and weaken Malaysian unions,” MTUC said in a statement.

The congress urged the new government to review the amendments in consultation with the NLAC or repeal them.

MTUC also highlighted the failure of the RM20 billion stimulus package, announced last week by interim prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to address the core needs of low-income earners. 

The package did not include MTUC’s proposed revolving fund to provide soft loans for workers to mitigate their financial burden due to the economic impact of Covid-19. The virus outbreak is expected to lead to costs-cutting actions, including lay-offs, as businesses struggle with low demand.

It also urged the new government to draw up a medical insurance scheme for all Malaysians to ensure equal access to healthcare. 

“Right now, the access is very lopsided with the rich getting the best treatment while the poor struggle or wait for long periods for access.”

It also called for a new minister who could empathise with low-wage earners. – March 3, 2020.