PSM, Jerit picket in 8 towns

The protest is against amendments to the Employment Act, said to be unfair to workers.

PETALING JAYA: Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and the NGO Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (Jerit) today held joint pickets in eight towns to protest against amendments to the Employment Act that they see as an outrage against the interest of workers.

The pickets were held in Kajang, Shah Alam, Penang, Tampoi (Johor), Senawang (Negri Sembilan) and the Perak towns of Sungai Siput, Tasek and Tanjung Malim.

The amendments free employers from having to compensate workers they retrench. They also allow a month’s delay in paying overtime.

PSM treasurer A Sivarajan, who led the picket in Shah Alam, said about 50 workers took part in the demonstration there and that they were supported by several members of PAS, DAP and PKR.

He said about 10 policemen in three patrol cars observed the picket.

In Kajang, according to Jerit coordinator S Parameswary, motorists blared their horns to show support for the picket.

He said Jerit would gather a larger group to meet Human Resources Minister Dr S Subramaniam if the government ignored opposition to the amendments and went ahead to table it in Parliament.

On Monday, the Malaysian Trade Unions Congress staged a protest against the proposed amendment outside Parliament House for about 45 minutes.