KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has agreed to the establishment of a state-level salary committee, said Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) chairman Zaidi Nasar.
TVS reported Zaidi as saying that the committee is likely to be set up this year, reaffirming MTUC’s commitment to defend workers’ rights.
“Follow-up actions on this committee will be conveyed to the Deputy Minister in Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala.
“The committee will comprise a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, representatives from the state government, representatives of workers, and professionals,” he said after a courtesy call on the Premier at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday (Sept 4).
Zaidi said MTUC would bring up wage issues in the state to the national level from discussion through the National Wages Consultative Council (MPGN), adding that amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance will be submitted to the Ministry of Human Resources before seeking approval from the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) next year.
“Efforts to protect workers’ rights in Sarawak include seven days of paternity leave, reducing working hours from 48 hours to 45 hours per week, and addressing workplace sexual harassment,” he said.
He said MTUC has been allocated funds by the state government to conduct training and awareness campaigns about workers’ rights.
Zaidi said the awareness campaigns will continue until 2025.
