Write-ups on Trade Unions (Part 2)

The next topic on "The right to form and join a Union" will be able to give employees a clearer picture of their stand on joining a Trade Union, hence they won't be deprived of their rights.

Workers in Malaysia have the right to form and join trade unions and this right is protected in the Industrial Relations Act (Section 5). The Act states that:-

1. No employer shall prevent a worker from joining a union by putting a condition in his contract of employment,
2. No employer shall refuse to employ a worker on the grounds he is a trade union member or officer,
3. No employer shall discriminate against a worker (for example in terms of promotion) on the grounds he is a trade union member or officer, and
4. No worker shall be threatened with dismissal or dismissed if he proposes to join a trade union or if he participates in union activities.

Although workers have the legal right to join unions there are also a number of qualifications which an employee have to adhere to. (Refer to part 3)

Workers also have the right not to join a trade union. Workers shall not be forced to join a union (Section 7, I.R.Act).