In U-turn, MTUC supports convention to eliminate violence, harassment at work

The MTUC says it voted against the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work (C190) Convention in Geneva because of a misunderstanding. (File pic.)

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Abdul Halim Mansor said he was committed to the government’s consent to ratify the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work (C190) Convention.

He said the convention was in line with MTUC’s policies and goals in defence of employees.

Commenting on MTUC’s decision to vote against the C190 at the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) conference in Geneva on June 21, Halim said it was due to a misunderstanding.

“We admit that there were certain misconceptions that led the MTUC to vote against the C190.

“At this point, it is better for me and MTUC leadership not to elaborate on the misunderstanding,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Halim said the MTUC welcomed the announcement by Human Resources Minister M Kula Segaran last Thursday that the government could support the certification in the convention.

In this regard, he said MTUC would launch a C190 awareness programme for employees and, at the same time, take action to convince the government to ratify the convention.

Halim also urged all parties to elaborate on the proposed MTUC labour law reforms submitted to the government recently to ensure that workers get the right protection from violence or harassment regardless of their background.

“The proposals actually cover almost all of the provisions in the C190 and we are confident that the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) will accept them to ensure the interests and safety of all employees are not overlooked,” he said. - FMT