FOREIGN WORKERS NOT ALLOWED TO SET UP TRADE UNIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Foreign workers are not allowed to form
their own trade unions but they can join the existing trade unions in the
country, Human Resource Minister S. Subramaniam said.

He said like local workers, foreign workers were also subjected to the
Employment Act 1955 and had the same rights like wages, leave, working hours,
layoff notice and insurance coverage.

"Many foreign workers in plantations have become members of the National
Union of Plantation Workers and can lodge complaints and seek justice," he told
Lower House of Parliament Thursday.

Subramaniam admitted there were abuse cases involving foreign workers but
they also occured in other countries.

"Abuse also occurs in the workers countries of origin. This is not a
government issue but that of humanitarian," he said.

He said measures had also been taken to protect the rights of foreign
workers including having statutory checks at work places and could lodge
complaints with the 80 Manpower Department offices nationwide.

Foreign workers were also paid compensation for accidents at work places
under the Workmen's Compensation Act 1952 and their health protected under the
Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 and the Factory and Machinery Act 1967.

Subramaniam said the ministry could revoke the licence of agents who failed
to provide foreign workers with jobs as stated by the agreements signed.

"The agents have to ensure that the foreign workers have legitimate
employers waiting for them," he said.
-- BERNAMA
RT