KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of Transport Equipment and Allied Industries Workers (NUTEAIW) wants five union leaders dismissed by DRB-Hicom to be reinstated along with back pay, benefits and a formal apology.
Its members are also calling for stern action against the company for alleged union-busting activities.
Speaking at a press conference at the Parliament building on Tuesday (Oct 29), NUTEAIW criticised the lack of progress after a complaint was filed with the Industrial Relations Department 14 months ago, and urged the government to take action against Hicom under the Industrial Relations Act 1967.
The dispute stems from a peaceful assembly organised by NUTEAIW members in December 2015, following a deadlock in collective bargaining negotiations with Hicom.
Although the assembly took place outside working hours and did not obstruct factory operations, 32 union members were subsequently dismissed.
While most were reinstated, five union leaders, known as the Hicom 5, were not, according to NUTEAIW.
It said it has contested the legality of the dismissals, highlighting alleged violations of workers’ rights, including the freedom of assembly enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
The union added an industrial court ruling, upheld by the court of appeal, deemed the action as "illegal picket".
After exhausting all domestic legal options, NUTEAIW said it filed a complaint with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2021.
In 2022, the ILO ruled that the dismissal of union members for organising or attending a peaceful meeting was a violation of freedom of association.
Despite this, NUTEAIW said no concrete action has been taken by the authorities here, leaving the five union leaders without remedy.
