Thousands picket against Employment Act
Thousands of workers up in arms over the recent amendment to the Employment Act 1955 took their grouses to the streets in a nationwide picket.
Thousands of workers up in arms over the recent amendment to the Employment Act, took their grouses to the streets in a nationwide picket.
The workers, led by the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC), protested at some 18 locations throughout the country.
The groups have taken issue with several clauses in the amendment, the most contentious being the reintroduction of labour contractors which has not seen light since 1955 when it was abolished.
The provision allows employers to recruit workers from labour contractors instead of employing them directly, leaving workers at the mercy of such contractors without guarantee of EPF or Socso.
'Workers are the largest bloc of voters'
At Petaling Jaya 200 workers converged opposite of PJ Hilton Hotel with chants of "Tarik Balik!" (withdraw) echoing across the street.
Cars passing the protestors honked in support as the protestors held up their placards.
Some of them read: ‘Abolish the contract system for workers', ‘The government has forgotten worker's contribution', ‘Workers are the largest bloc of voters' and ‘Long live the workers!'.
Police presence was barely felt, with only two uniformed police officers watching on and another two traffic police officers directing the flow of traffic for the picket.
The group in PJ was led by MTUC secretary-general Abdul Halim who estimated that the number of participants in the picket nationwide came close to 10,000.
Also present to share their solidarity were Senator Syed Husin Ali, Selayang MP William Leong, PJ Selatan MP Hee Loy Sian, PKR vice president N Surendran and human rights group Suaram chairperson K Arumugam.
Protestors demand minister's resignation
Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, some 200 workers converged in front of the EPF building to express their discontent over the amendment.
Gathering as early as 5pm, the group which was also led by MTUC, was backed by top Pakatan Rakyat and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) leaders.
Among those present were DAP supremo and Ipoh Timur MP Lim Kit Siang, Sibu MP Wong Ho Leng, Kuala Krai MP Mohd Hatta Ramli and PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan.
The group chanted "Withdraw the amendment", "Long live MTUC" and "Minister - Step down" in reference in Human Resource Minister S Subramaniam with whom discussions have reached a stalemate.
They also put up some 10 banners condemning the amendment while others held up placards reading ‘Don't pawn workers' rights' and ‘Minister cheats workers'.
Meanwhile, PKR in solidarity with MTUC also held its own protests in four locations at Kuala Langat, Shah Alam, Hulu Selangor and Klang.
The amendment to the Employment Act was passed in Parliament on Oct 6 after last ditch negotiations between MTUC and the government fell apart.
