KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has challenged Malaysian trade unions to abandon adversarial labour tactics and position themselves as strategic economic partners as artificial intelligence and automation reshape the workplace.
Speaking after officiating the National Convention of the Workers' Union 2026 on Thursday (Sept 10), Ramanan said the traditional employer-versus-worker framework is obsolete, urging unions to focus on upskilling, technology adoption, and collaborative industrial relations.
"Mature industrial relations exist when the government, employers, and workers sit together to find the best solutions, safeguarding workers' welfare, ensuring businesses continue to grow and remain resilient, and supporting the continued growth of our national economy," he said.
To support this transition, the Madani government distributed RM3.5mil through the 2026 Trade Union Affairs Programme Grant across June and July. The funding forms part of a broader RM6.1mil national grant allocation managed by the Trade Union Affairs Department, earmarked specifically for capacity building, education, governance, and union digitalisation.
Ramanan emphasised that unions must look five to ten years ahead to anticipate future job market demands, shedding any fear of innovation.
"We need to change and learn how to use these technologies so that none of us gets left behind. Trade unions need to become more progressive and dynamic," he added.
Echoing the call for modernisation, the department’s director-general Bashah Bachik reminded union leaders that organisational strength relies on administrative credibility, member trust, and data-driven negotiation rather than sheer membership numbers or vocal protests.
"Compliance is a safeguard that protects the organisation, its officers, and its members. Trade unions must also come to the negotiating table with a clear mandate, accurate data, and realistic proposals," Bashah said, adding that employers must respect the right to organise while the government continues its role as a tripartite facilitator.
