Suhakam Employees Postpone Picket Over Unanswered Questions on Salary Increments and Performance Assessment System
Picket Postponed After Cuepacs Intervention
KUALA LUMPUR: Employees at the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) have postponed a picket planned for this morning in front of the commission’s headquarters here.
The picket was planned to be held over unanswered questions on alleged salary increments granted to three Suhakam deputy secretaries, their allegedly different performance assessment system, and the alleged exclusion of staff from the new public service remuneration system (SSPA).
"We decided to postpone the picket after Cuepacs president Adnan Mat informed me earlier this morning that they (Cuepacs) will be intervening and raising the employees’ concerns with Suhakam," Suhakam interim union president Elza Nadiah Shaik Sulaiman said.
Adnan confirmed the matter when contacted by FMT.
Internal Memo Disrupts Union Formation Efforts
Elza, who was speaking to reporters outside Suhakam’s headquarters at Menara TH Perdana, said Suhakam employees had doubts about joining the picket after an internal memo issued by Suhakam secretary Altaf Deviyati yesterday. In the memo, employees were told not to participate in any action that could affect Suhakam’s mission or disrupt its "positive work environment." Elza said the directive had disrupted efforts to form an employees union at Suhakam.
Police Presence and Union Support
Several police officers were present on site to monitor the planned picket. Also present was Malaysian Trades Union Congress secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor.
Background and Concerns
Yesterday, the Labour Solidarity and Learning Resources Association urged the government to intervene in the matter, saying Suhakam needed more budgetary support to ensure that employees received the same salary and benefits as those under the new SSPA. Its secretary-general, Gopal Kishnam Nadesan, also said that the association supported the establishment of a union by Suhakam employees.
Suhakam’s Response
In response, Suhakam said it was still studying the adaptability of the government’s new emolument scheme. The commission said this was in line with its overall organisational restructuring programme which began last year. Suhakam also said it was open to discussion and remained "unwavering in our commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative work environment."
Conclusion
The postponement of the picket may have temporarily stalled the employees’ demands, but the underlying issues remain. As the debate surrounding Suhakam’s restructuring programme and employee concerns continues, it is crucial for the commission to address these concerns and ensure that employees are treated fairly and with respect.
FAQs
Q: Why did Suhakam employees postpone the picket?
A: The picket was postponed after Cuepacs president Adnan Mat informed Elza Nadiah Shaik Sulaiman that they would be intervening and raising the employees’ concerns with Suhakam.
Q: What were the concerns that led to the picket?
A: The concerns included alleged salary increments granted to three Suhakam deputy secretaries, their allegedly different performance assessment system, and the alleged exclusion of staff from the new public service remuneration system (SSPA).
Q: What is Suhakam’s response to the concerns?
A: Suhakam said it is still studying the adaptability of the government’s new emolument scheme and remains open to discussion.