Sabah trade unions urged to apply for programme
KOTA KINABALU: All trade unions in Sabah are urged to apply for the Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) 2024.
Malaysia Trade Union Affairs Department director general Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab said PHEKS is a government initiative to support and strengthen the movement of trade unions through financial assistance and the creation of an education platform for skills improvement through continued learning.
He said that applications were opened on 26 January 2024 with six application clusters consisting of implementation of training and education programmes; conducting researches; scientific writing; purchases of information technology and communication devices; the development of e-learning in the form of simulation videos; and the purchase of the first group insurance.
The closing date for the applications is on 29 February 2024, he said at the launching of the 2024 Sabah level Trade Unions Management Course at Hotel S7VEN Suria on Thursday.
A total of 11 participants from 35 main associations took part in the course.
Mohd Asri said that the organisation of the course was an important milestone in the ongoing commitment of trade union managements in the state of Sabah.
“It is a testament to the collective determination of the department in helping and advancing the rights, well-being and interests of workers in various sectors through unions,” he said.
He reminded that it is necessary for trade unions to continue to move with knowledge and always be aware of the latest changes in labor issues in our country and also at the international level so that the workers do not fall behind with the latest policies and policies.
Mohd Asri also commended the participants of the event consisting of trade union members from the government, the private sector and statutory bodies.
He said that the participants have an important role in the trade unions to ensure fair working practice, the protection of workers’ rights and interests as well as the building of good and harmonious industry relations.
He added that the role of trade unions is becoming increasingly important in dealing with challenges and opportunities that are developing in the labour arena in the country.