UEM Edgenta says hospital cleaners union’s allegations ‘regrettable’

 

UEM Edgenta Bhd, which is contracted to provide cleaning services at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta in Tanjung Rambutan, Perak, said it holds regular engagements with employees and unions to improve their working conditions and compensation.

As such, it says it regrets that allegations of unfair remuneration have emerged despite its efforts.

This came following a picket outside the hospital this afternoon where 40 contract hospital cleaners demanded an equal RM30 salary increase and other benefits.

“The welfare of our employees is of the utmost concern and importance to us and based on previous engagements, we have been listening to the issues voiced by our employees and progressively implemented quality of life improvements throughout our operations, therefore we regret that such allegations of unfair recognition regarding remuneration and rewarding of our employees were made, in light of all the efforts the company has made.

“To date, the company has been engaging the union and its affiliates in a professional and courteous manner.

“In line with industry practices and as a fair and just employer, any remuneration and rewarding decisions or performance-based incentives which may include bonuses, salary increment, or other rewards are solely based on the employee’s performance, merit and business needs, which comply with Malaysian labour law practices across all of UEM Edgenta’s operations.

“Hence, we would like to reassure the public that we will continue to ensure no service disruption at all hospitals under the company’s care,” it said in a statement today.

Earlier today, the National Union of Workers in Hospitals Support and Allied Services organised a picket outside the psychiatric hospital that lasted about 20 minutes.

Among others, they demanded all workers be given an RM30 increase in salary since July, instead of a select few who passed their evaluation.

The group claimed that the new salary amounts to RM1,230 per month, but 90 percent of the contract cleaners did not get this increment.

The workers also demanded the restoration of their previous public holidays and medical allowance benefits, which were allegedly reduced from 15 days to 11 days, and from RM1,000 to RM200. - Mkini