Be dynamic, Dr M tells unions

KUALA LUMPUR: Unions should act as “bridges” between workers and employers, and no longer function as facilitators of pickets to push their demands, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.

He said unions must play this role because the expectations of workers or employers had changed.

“Today, unions can no longer be only champions of workers, organising pickets and demonstrations to pressure employers.

“As the intermediary between workers and companies, it is important for unions to be more dynamic,” he said when opening the 21st Congress of the Union of Pos Malaysia Uniformed Staff (Upus) here yesterday.

Present was Upus vice-president Ahmad Tarmizi Taib, who is performing the duties of the president.

Dr Mahathir said unions should practise moderation, be proactive and show tolerance in all matters, thus becoming good “bridges” between workers and employers.

He said fast-changing technology, automation and robotics, if not embraced quickly, would result in workers being left behind and rendered irrelevant.

At the event attended by 147 Upus members, Dr Mahathir praised Pos Malaysia for taking on challenges in a fast-changing world and emerging as an e-commerce pioneer in the country.

“The challenge is embracing diversification in the business and services sectors. Pos Malaysia, I believe, will continue to innovate to remain relevant.”

He noted that Upus was established in 1959 and is one of the oldest unions in Malaysia.

Later, Dr Mahathir said he would look into why 52 government officers taking a course to become administrative and diplomatic officers were dropped from the programme.

“We will look into this.”

It was reported that four of the 52 officers, whose employment was on a contract basis, had their services terminated while the rest were asked to return to their old posts.