ALOR GAJAH: Trade unions in Melaka have been urged to take a more proactive role to protect the welfare of their members in various sectors by leveraging initiatives and programmes available at both the federal and state levels.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said at the same time, workers are encouraged to join unions registered under the Trade Union Affairs Department (JHEKS), noting that this will help ensure their voices are heard and their rights protected under the Trade Union Act 1959.
“Joining a union is a personal choice, but it is the union that safeguards workers’ rights – rights that individuals may not always be aware of.
“By becoming members, workers gain access to protection and a second opinion before any action is taken.
“As for the trade unions, I hope they will continue to play an effective role in protecting the welfare of their members,” he told Bernama at a press conference after officiating the JHEKS Corporate Social Responsibility programme with the community at Villa d’Acqua, Kampung Pulau, here yesterday.
Also present were representative of the Human Resources Ministry Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, state health, human resources and unity committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem, and JHEKS director-general Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab.
Ab Rauf said to date, 28 main trade unions and 41 branches in the state are registered under JHEKS, representing more than 60,000 members.
Earlier, 21 trade unions in Melaka had their applications approved and will receive grant assistance amounting to RM359,998 under the Union Affairs Development Grant.
