Human Resources Ministry Aims to Increase Unionised Workers to Two Million
Target in Line with Trade Unions (Amendment) Act 2024
The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) is aiming to increase the number of unionised workers nationwide to two million, its minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said. As of September, the number of trade unions in Malaysia had reached 759, with a membership of 1,030,151 people.
The target is in line with the Trade Unions (Amendment) Act 2024, which came into effect on September 15 and aims to empower trade unions in Malaysia. “We currently have one million trade union members. and we hope to increase this to two million,” Sim said. “This is because I see unions as a forum for workers’ rights. Having a union means we are strong,” he added in his speech at the opening of the 2024 National Trade Union Assembly.
Enforcing the Trade Unions (Amendment) Act 2024
Sim also emphasized that enforcing the Trade Unions (Amendment) Act 2024 reduces barriers to establishing trade unions. “We want to give workers the right to be more actively involved in unions, to provide more power to the workforce in Malaysia,” he said.
Gig Workers’ Economy Bill
Regarding the Gig Workers’ Economy Bill, Sim said he was working towards presenting it in the current Parliament session. “We are working hard to bring forward the new Workers’ Bill that will safeguard the rights of our gig workers, who have long been left out of the Employment Act,” he said.
Awards Presented at the 2024 National Trade Union Assembly
During the event, Sim also presented awards to five recipients of the 2024 Trade Union Awards, including Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal, President of the Uni Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC), who received the Special Award. Associate Prof Dr Abd Rahman Tamuri from the Academic Staff Association of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (PKAUTM) also received an award in the Trade Union Figure Award category.
Conclusion
The Human Resources Ministry’s aim to increase unionised workers to two million is a significant step towards empowering workers’ rights and promoting a stronger workforce in Malaysia. The enforcement of the Trade Unions (Amendment) Act 2024 and the introduction of the Gig Workers’ Economy Bill are expected to bring about positive changes for workers in the country.
FAQs
Q: What is the aim of the Human Resources Ministry to increase unionised workers?
A: The aim is to increase the number of unionised workers nationwide to two million.
Q: What is the current number of trade unions in Malaysia?
A: As of September, the number of trade unions in Malaysia has reached 759, with a membership of 1,030,151 people.
Q: What is the purpose of the Trade Unions (Amendment) Act 2024?
A: The purpose is to empower trade unions in Malaysia and reduce barriers to establishing trade unions.
Q: What is the Gig Workers’ Economy Bill?
A: The bill aims to safeguard the rights of gig workers who have long been left out of the Employment Act.