MTUC: Bosses may ‘use’ economic slowdown

> Call for firms which made huge profits to support workers instead of cutting jobs

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has not received any reports of layoffs this year but its secretary-general J. Solomon said some employers may take advantage of the current economic situation to lay off workers.

He said there are also some employers who are closing down their factories by claiming that they are facing difficulties in getting foreign workers.

Some employers are also taking the “mischief” approach of laying off workers by claiming they are facing problems, he said, adding that employers should stop creating this supposed economic problem because their actions are jeopardising the country’s economy.

Solomon said there are local workers who are willing to work but they must be offered adequate wages.

“The time has come for employers to stop relying on foreign labour but instead pay a proper wage to local workers.”

Solomon said many employers had made huge profits during the good times and it is now time for them to start repaying their workers to help them survive this economic hardship.

He added that one way to do this was by paying workers Cost of Living Allowance (Cola) to help deal with the rising cost of living, and called on employers to avoid automation until the economy picks up.

“The government can help the workers by giving them low interest rates of between 1% and 2% for houses costing between RM300,000 and RM500,000. Those who can afford houses above RM500,000 should be asked to pay higher interest rates to offset the low interest paid by the others,” Solomon said.