JHEKS Selangor in collaboration with UiTM has recently organized an Expert Talk Program: The Role of Trade Unions in Organizations. The program broadcast live through JHEKS official Facebook online media platform and JHEKS official Youtube is held on 16 February 2022 at 10 am.
Various issues related to trade unions were discussed in more detail by the program panel, the Director of the Selangor Union Affairs Department, Tuan Haji Azzal Bin Abu Talib together with the moderator Mr. Ahamd Faisal Mohammed Fiah.
A brief note on filling in the program was also shared by Puan Wan Nor Azura through the comment section on Facebook as follows:
Summary of Expert Talks: The Role of Trade Unions in Organizations
What is the right to unionize?
The union is under an act that allows the union to negotiate with the employer and the authorities. The voice of the union will be heard more by the management than communicating individually. A more harmonious result will be achieved. In the event of an issue such as dismissal and demotion involving a court case, the matter will receive defense and support from the union and appointed lawyers.
Individuals are encouraged to become members of a labor union to ensure that their rights as employees are protected. Discussions with JPA will also be given a better space because the union will represent the workers in their respective organizations.
The union also requires fees from members for operational purposes and various activities that involve costs. It is inappropriate for committee members to spend their own money for union purposes.
The appointed head or Exco of the union needs to be more responsible and ready to fight for members’ issues.
Participants’ questions about whether it should be mandatory for every organization to ensure that every employee is a union member?
A united awareness program needs to be held to ensure that every individual knows the advantages and benefits of united. Issues are discussed because there are workers who will benefit from the union when something is fought for and approved. For example the salary increase issue. When a union fights for a wage increase, approval will be given to all workers even if they are not union members. However, there are employers who do not like the existence of unions.
Some employers do not like the existence of unions because of the image they project as rebels. The union needs to set a good example, so that employers can feel the presence of the union will help the management to jointly develop the organization. The concept of harmonization (smart partnership) which is ups and downs with management needs to be applied to the Union Exco.
The Union needs to be more professional in dealing with employee issues. Picketing can be done within limits, for example not picketing during working hours.
Voting issues are difficult
Constitutional amendments can be done by secret ballot. The secret ballot is enshrined in act 262 and it needs to be maintained because it is a “trademark” for the union and is more functional. It is a mandatory one in the act. Secret ballot is more harmonious for an election.
Union Establishment is divided into 4 categories:
- Establishment – for example for a factory, especially for factory workers
- Trade – business for example goldsmith business,
- Occupation – driver’s association
- Industry – open to every industry example, media.
How should Unions deal with future challenges with the advancement of social media
The union needs to take the opportunity to increase membership through social media/online. Cost savings can be implemented with technological advances. Unions can also implement training programs through social media to provide information to members.
Is it possible to unionize during working hours?
This depends on the specific organization and employer. A good relationship is necessary between the management and the Union Exco to carry out union activities during working hours. Whatever is done must have trust from the employer. Build good relationships with management or employers. Run the trust as an employee and the trust as Exco.
However, the Exco was also reminded not to make the union more than the essential work. The real work needs to be done and done in unity.
How to understand individuals about union struggles and messages from speakers
Build “trust” to facilitate the implementation of a program. Rapport (relationship) needs to be familiar, unity is a single struggle. It will strengthen a unity. This will make the members trust the union. JAEKS also has union awareness programs to promote the benefits of being a union member. This is to increase union funds. Awareness campaigns, as a president need to have awareness and always go to the field. Unions need to carry out programs that can increase the trust of members and establish a closer relationship between members and employers. A program needs to be held to show that a union is strong.
Moving forward
JHEKS has started going to the field to meet unions that have problems and lack of understanding about various things. Unions can consult and cooperate with JHEKS so as not to be included in problematic unions.
