Migrant workers’ legal rights must be enforced, says activist

 

More than 200 migrant workers went on strike in Genting Highlands on Jan 2 over wage and work disputes. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Migrant workers’ rights under the labour laws should be enforced effectively so they do not have to resort to strikes to bring up their grievances over wages and working conditions, a labour activist said.

Tenaganita executive director Glorene Das called for a national comprehensive policy for migrant labour that entails enforcement and monitoring mechanisms, including guidelines for regular inspection by the manpower department.

Although the labour laws provide protection for migrant workers, enforcement of these laws is slack and at times non-existent, she said.

“As long as a comprehensive policy is not put in place, migrant workers will continue to be exploited for work and their rights won’t be protected,” Das told FMT.

Many migrant workers do not have proper platforms to resolve workplace disputes as they are not even aware of trade unions or may be poorly represented by the unions.

She said NGOs can help with monitoring, handling worker complaints, conducting training on workers’ rights and providing shelter for workers who have been abused.

Earlier this month, some 200 migrant workers in Genting Highlands went on strike, which led to the arrest of two people for incitement. The workers said they were dissatisfied over wages and working hours.

Das acknowledged that strikes are illegal for non-union members but said migrant workers would not want to knowingly break the law.

“Employers must provide safe spaces for workers to voice their grievances, and authorities must respect this as well, not just arrest them based on company or employer reports.”

Adrian Pereira of the North-South Initiative said he believed the issue should have been better managed by the manpower department without the need for the workers to go on strike.

“Migrant workers in Malaysia face many barriers when lodging complaints within the workplace and with government departments, so it’s unsurprising if they resort to a peaceful protest, strike or picket.”

Employers must ensure the redress mechanisms within companies are clear so that disputes can be resolved amicably, Pereira said. - FMT