Stalemate: EPF union reps 'skip' meetings to conclude talks

 

There has been no breakthrough in the issues concerning the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and its staff as union representatives have refused to attend meetings to conclude proposals made.

This is according to EPF chief executive officer Amir Hamzah Azizan, in response to the protest campaign launched by the EPF Board Staff Union against the management over problems faced by the fund’s employees.

“Our commitment stands firm in nurturing dialogue and collaboration, leading us towards an equitable, just, and sensible resolution.

“While we acknowledge the potential for differences to emerge, we firmly believe that approaching such situations with transparency and empathy is paramount,” he said.

Amir Hamzah (above) pointed out that EPF has “conducted numerous dialogue sessions to exchange views and gauge feedback from the union’s committee members, where they have tabled their counter-proposals”.

“This also includes dedicated sessions with our union leaders in Sabah and Sarawak with the same intention.

“Regrettably, the union leaders and committee members have refused to attend the recent sessions that aimed to conclude proposals on the concerns raised,” Amir Hamzah said in a statement today.

The protest campaign involves the fund’s staff wearing button badges that say “tyrannical EPF management” from Aug 9 to 16 at all EPF locations nationwide.

According to union president Ahmad Hamzah, the EPF presidential council - comprising EPF board staff union, Sabah EPF members trade union, and Sarawak EPF members trade union - have on numerous occasions, sent proposals to the management but have not received any counter-proposals from the latter.

He urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s intervention in the matter.

Elaborating, Amir Hamzah assured that the EPF management remains open to continuing dialogues with the EPF presidential council, and looks forward to making further progress on the issue to find an amicable solution.

“We’re dedicated to finding solutions together while also respecting our processes, all with the aim of reaching a fair outcome.

“In line with our aim of enabling EPF members to attain a respectable retirement, our commitment to helping and servicing our members remains unwavering, standing as our foremost priority,” he said. - Mkini