THE Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2022 aimed at, among other things, creating a legal framework to support the establishment and administration of trade unions in a mature, progressive and relevant manner was tabled for the second reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan said the bill is to amend the Trade Unions Act 1959 with the objective of removing restrictions on the formation of trade unions based on specific establishments or similarities in trade, occupation or industry to allow a diversity of trade unions.

“This is in line with the freedom of association as employees and employers are free to establish or join any trade union of their choice,” he said when tabling the bill.

Saravanan said amendments to the act include ensuring the quality of the protection of workers’ rights in the country by taking into account the principles outlined under international labour standards.

He said it is also to make it easier for Malaysia to negotiate a trade agreement that currently includes an article on international labour standard obligations as one of the terms of the agreement.

“For example, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership maintains that each member country adopts and improves its respective laws, regulations and practices as to the rights contained in the 1998 ILO Declaration (International Labour Organization) related to the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work,” he said. – Bernama, October 4, 2022.