MTUC slams govt flip-flop on Employment Act

 

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has slammed an apparent flip-flop by the government on enforcing amendments to the Employment Act 1955/22.

Its secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor expressed shock and disappointment with the government's decision to postpone the enforcement of the amendments to New Year’s Day, Jan 1, 2023.

The implementation of the amendments was supposed to start next Thursday (Sept 1).

“We were not brought to discuss the proposed postponement of the enforcement of the Employment Act.

“Workers seem to be isolated by the government even though the Act is meant to benefit them,” Kamarul said.

He said they did not expect this move by the government and that many employees were waiting for the amendments to take place.

He also questioned if the government only obeys the wishes of employers and neglects the needs of millions of workers who are also voters.

“Should the interests of workers be ignored while the interest of the wealthy is protected?

“The government should hold a National Labour Advisory Council meeting to discuss the postponement issue as it involves the interest of the employees,” he urged.

Kamarul said MTUC will also hold a special assembly to discuss the matter.

Maternity, paternity leaves

Earlier yesterday, Human Resources Minister M Saravanan (above) said the cabinet agreed to postpone the enforcement of all amendments to the Employment Act to next year.

This includes limiting work hours to 45 per week.

Other key amendments passed in the March parliamentary sitting include extending maternity leave from 60 to 98 days, restrictions on terminating pregnant employees, and the introduction of paternity leave.

The amendments to the act, also known as Act 265, received royal assent on April 26 and were published in the Federal Government Gazette on May 10. - Mkini