The government has termed the migrant workers as foreign workers.The Government has an ad hoc policy on management of migration. Frequent policy changes by the state lead to lack of clarity, abuse by different stakeholders and increase the vulnerability of migrant workers.
Those who entered illegally found no employment had caused problems when they turn to negative activities, including crime.He said their large number also caused difficulty for industries that needed foreign workers but could not find sufficient number of required workers
It was in 1972, the prices of all goods, especially of consumer goods spiraled. As prices continued to rise, goods started disappearing from the counters.By June 1973, according to official statistics the rate of inflation was 15%. Malaysian Trade Union Congress’s (MTUC) survey revealed the rate at 25%. There were several other reasons that contributed towards this unprecedented inflation.The MTUC advised all its affiliates to submit their cost of living allowance (COLA) claim for 10% - 40% increase on a sliding scale. The employers Association, MECA, countered it by directing its affiliates to ignore any claim for COLA.The All Malayan Estates Staff Union (AMESU) on 24th July, 1973, submitted its claim for COLA to Malaysian Agriculture Produce Association (MAPA) at the rate of 30% of the basic salary. MAPA rejected it outright.But on 22nd November 1973, MAPA made an offer of SRA of RM25.00, RM15.00 and RM10.00 per month, based on grade. The Executive Council on 8th January, 1974, in its reply rejected the offer and served an ultimatum of 14 days to MAPA to settle the claim.After serving the ultimatum, AMESU had an understanding with Bro. P.P. Narayanan, the General Secretary of NUPW our sister union. NUPW promised that in the event of strike action by AMESU members, the NUPW members would not perform the duties of the staff.
No. 29-3, Jalan USJ 1/1A
7620 Subang Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia
amesu@amesu.org.my
