1,000 join MTUC picket in Penang
The heavy rain and thunderstorm in Penang yesterday did not deter more than 1,000 workers from picketing against the recent labour law amendments in Butterworth, on the mainland part of the state.
The thunderstorm did not deter the workers from picketing against the Employment Act amendments.
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The heavy rain and thunderstorm in Penang yesterday did not deter more than 1,000 workers from picketing against the recent labour law amendments in Butterworth, on the mainland part of the state.
Led by the Penang division of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC), the workers lined up the main road leading to Prai, carrying pro-workers posters as passers-by in vehicles honked loudly in support of the colourful crowd.
The crowd was initially small, but despite the continuous pouring rain, which pelted for about 40 minutes, it grew larger and soon exceeded 1,000 people.
Supporters from Pakatan Rakyat and Parti Sosialis Malaysia were spotted among the crowd, carrying party umbrellas and banners promoting the rights of workers.
Penang MTUC secretary K Veeriah said the workers condemned the amendments to the Employment Act 1955 as the changes would be "totally irresponsible" to workers as companies would be allowed to hire contract workers from outsourcing firms.
This means that such contract workers are effectively working for these outsourcing firms.
Veeriah said the law would institutionalise contract workers and would eventually result in the principal employers washing their hands off the plight of their workers.
"There would be a third party who will handle the contract workers, and the amendments also provide for the wages of the workers to be deferred for a month," he told reporters.
"What will happen when the contractors run out of money, or if they suddenly decide to terminate jobs of the workers?" he asked.
More actions planned
State MTUC chief S Ravindran said more actions were being planned to increase the awareness of workers on the impact the amendments would have on them.
Ravindran said the picket was necessary, with the hope that the amendments could be stopped at the Dewan Negara (Senate) level of Parliament, since the bill has been endorsed by the Dewan Rakyat (Lower House).
"These amendments will eventually affect all generations, starting with our children," he lamented.
The picket went on for about 90 minutes and at 6pm, police intervened and asked the MTUC leaders to disperse the crowd, which they refused to do.
Veeriah said he had told the "boss" (police officer in charge) that the picket would continue until 6.30pm and that the police should not "harass" the workers to end the event before the stipulated time.
However, no untoward incident took place and the crowd dutifully dispersed at 6.30pm.
