Three labour unions representing Pos Malaysia uniformed workers have come under fire from netizens after they appeared to take sides with the company management in an issue about staff welfare.
This followed a joint statement by the unions - Union of Pos Malaysia Uniformed Staff (Upus), Upus Sarawak, and their Sabah chapter called Keppses - where they defended Pos Malaysia Berhad chief executive officer Charles Brewer, who had been criticised for his offensive response to an employee’s query about damaged uniforms.
In the statement issued this morning, the unions said they had obtained an explanation from Brewer and believed the top executive had no intention to belittle any employee through his remarks.
“The unions understand that it was not his intention to insult the employee, but instead it was a misunderstanding, and he (Brewer) has admitted his mistake, thus, we urge that this issue not be blown out of proportion as it can create a false interpretation of his true intention.
“Throughout his service as the group CEO, he has shown great commitment to engage employees at all levels and directly interact with members of the unions, including by going to the ground to understand and address issues (faced by workers).
“He also has a very good relationship with the unions, and this has been going on harmoniously and openly without any dispute. Thus, the unions strongly support his leadership,” said the statement, signed by the organisations' respective presidents Ismail Ali (Upus), Rasdi Ahmad Mohamad (Upus Sarawak), and Henry Petrus (Keppses).
Embattled CEO
Last week, Brewer was publicly condemned after screenshots of his response to a delivery mail carrier were leaked and went viral on social media.
The screenshots from the company’s internal communications platform showed the staff member sharing a picture of his uniform, which has a tear along the seam on the right shoulder, and asking when they will get new uniforms.
Brewer reportedly wrote in response by reminding him to be grateful for working at a delivery company that provides uniforms.
The CEO had since issued an apology to the affected employee.
On the issue of uniforms, the unions said they were informed that Pos Malaysia is providing new clothing to all workers, but this is delayed as they are “improving the material used and quality” for employees’ comfort.
According to them, the company has also promised to add safety gear for its delivery workers, including providing safety shoes and gloves.
“Thus, the unions would like to thank the company for making improvements and for their continuous commitment towards the safety of employees and readiness to provide uniforms more than what has been agreed upon in our Collective Agreement, which is a move that clearly shows their concern and continuous support for frontline workers.”
Cold reception
Many netizens did not take kindly to the statement shared by Pos Malaysia on their official Facebook and X accounts just before 10am today.
Many had condemned the unions, whom they believed should play their role by defending the staff member involved instead of Brewer.
Some even regarded the unions’ statement as “menjilat”, which is a Malay colloquial term for ass-kissing or brown-nosing.
“Workers’ unions should be defending the workers’ welfare, but now they are doing the opposite.
“The workers’ unions are siding with the CEO who has clearly insulted his employees’ rights. Charles Brewer should be sacked,” said a netizen, who replied to Pos Malaysia’s post on X.
Another social media user questioned the unions' functionality in the issue.
“What have these unions done so far? Were they only collecting monthly fees, then going to sleep?
“They supposedly have three unions for uniformed workers, but they weren’t even concerned about the delivery workers’ torn uniforms. If the staff member had not gone viral, there wouldn't be any action forever."
A Facebook user, meanwhile, shared her father's experience as a union member, saying that workers’ unions were supposed to defend their members' welfare and rights.
“But this (statement) appeared to be the opposite. Or is it that the unions today have lost their teeth? Just asking,” said the netizen. - Mkini
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