industrial relation chapter 2

7/29/2019 Industrial Relation Chapter 2

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CHAPTER ONE

THE HISTORY AND CURRENT STATE OF

TRADE UNION MOVEMENT INMALAYSIA

HRM 659

INDUSTRIAL

RELATIONS


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Trade Union

A union is an organization that represents

employees interests to management on issues

such as wage negotiation, disciplinary rulesand working conditions.

It is an organization which consists wholly ormainly of workers of one or more

descriptions.


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Historical Background

First emerged in 1920s with the development ofestates and mines.

1920s onwards PKM, deliberately set out to

develop the labor movement and encouragedunskilled worker to unionize.

The aggressive activity of the unions ledemployers to exert pressure on the colonial

government to introduce laws which would curband restrict the unions.

First law relating to trade union wereimplemented in 1940.


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Historical Background

In 1946, two steps in response to increased unionactivities:

o Trade Union Adviser Department was set up with theappointment of a Registrar of Trade Union.

o Trade Union enactment was passed: All trade union had to be registered.

Federation of trade unions could only be formed by unions in thesame industry.

Union officials had to have been employed for a minimum of 3years in the industry which they represented.

Intended to limit PKM involvement within the tradeunions, restrict their size and power, and to control theunion movement.

Only 1950s, the union movement was revived.


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Elements of Trade Union-ness

1. There is an organization- not just group of individuals.

2. The organizations exists to represents its members to

employers, the press, the government and the public.

3. Its primary interests are in the terms and conditions ofemployment of its members.

4. The organization is not controlled by the employers.

5. The organization is prepared to bargain collectively on behalf

of its members with the employers.


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Reasons for joining a trade union


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Trade Union Objectives

To promote the industrials, social and intellectualinterests of its member.

To obtain and maintain for its members just and

proper rates of remuneration, security ofemployment and reasonable hours andconditions of work.

To promote the material, social and educational

welfare of its members. To promote legislation affecting the interests of

the members in particulars of trade unionists ingeneral.


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Implication of Definition


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Membership of a Trade Union

Right To Form and Join Union:

IRA section 5

Workers in Malaysia have the right to form and

join trade unions (freedom of association).

The workers also have the right not to join a

trade.


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Industrial Relations Act (Section 5) states that:

No employer shall prevent a worker from joining a unionby putting a condition in his contract of employment.

No employer shall refuse to employ a worker on thegrounds he is a trade union member of officer.

No employer shall discriminate against a worker (forexample in terms of promotion) on the grounds he is a

trade union member or officer. No worker shall be threatened with dismissal or dismissal

if he proposes to join a trade union or if he participates inunion activities.


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Who Can Join A Union?

A person who is above the age of 16 is eligible toapply to join which is relevant to his trade,occupation or industry.

Under the age of 18 are restricted in their unionactivities not entitled to vote on: Strikes and lock-outs and all related matters

The imposition of levy

Dissolution of the trade union or of the federationwith which it is connected

Amendment of the rules of the trade union


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Under the age of 21 are not eligible to be elected asofficers of the union unless:

Bona fide workers

Over the age of 18

Public sector can only join unions which representworkers in the same occupation, department, ministry,body or authority.

Police, Prison Service, Armed Forces and those inconfidential or security work- not allowed to joinunions at all.

Professional and ,managerial group in the publicsector- not allowed to join unions unless they areexempted by the Chief Secretary to the government.


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Employers Attitudes to Unions

Conflict or open hostility

Controlled hostility

Accommodation

Cooperation


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Creating a Non-union Environment

There are some positive steps to reduce or

eliminate the workers from joining unions:

Pay higher wages

Give better benefits

Involve employees in all levels of decision making andeffectively implement an open-door policy

Offer training, development and a measure of security

of tenure

Develop a climate of trust and loyalty in theorganization.

industrial relation chapter 2

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