The Railwaymen's Union of Malaya (KPPKTMB) has announced that it will hold a picket to protest against the management of the national railway company (KTMB) at the launch of its subsidiary ET Sdn Bhd, in July.

The picket will see a total of 3,500 union members from 10 branches.

NONEIn a press conference held at the union headquarters today, Union president Abdul Razak Md Hassan (far left) said a ‘work to rule' protest will take place should the KTMB management refuse to budge from their position.

He also urged KTMB president Aminuddin Adnan to resign from his position as he had failed to show interest in the welfare of the members and to reach a consensus on four outstanding issues at a June 2 meeting.

"We can see that the president is not doing anything to address any problems occurring within the organisation," he added.

Showing a Utusan Malaysia news report dated June 8 titled, ‘Frustrated with KTMB services', Abdul Razak claimed that this would have not happened if Aminuddin had performed his role properly.

"We will also send a resolution to the Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak next week regarding this," he added.

He said that the union condemned the decision to set up a new subsidiary, ETS Sdn Bhd, to manage the electric train sets as it:

(1) Will erode the existing employee benefits, i.e. medical benefits.

(2) The management will work against the interest of KTMB and its employees.

(3) Will lead to mismanagement of funds.

(4) Will benefit the KTMB board and its managing director with new allowances.

(5) Result in a possible hike in fares.

The union had last December sent a letter objecting to the formation of the subsidiary, stressing that there was no need for it as the five ETS units could be managed either by a new department or a new strategic business unit directly under KTMB.

The union also has also objected to the proposed relocation of its headquarters.