Presiden MTUC bidas setiausaha agung ugut piket Lindung 24/7

Presiden MTUC Abdul Halim Mansor has retained the position of Deputy General Secretary, Kamarul Baharin Mansor, due to his plea for challenging the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) 24/7 safety scheme. Halim stated that he respects the right of unit leaders to voice their opinions and advocate for workers' interests, but disagrees with striking during this issue.

He believes a better approach is to continue dialogue with Perkeso and the government to express workers' concerns related to the scheme. Halim also does not agree with the notion of introducing the 24/7 Lindung scheme without labor and stakeholder involvement.

Discussions about expanding protection for accidents outside working hours are not new; they have been ongoing for several years and involved labor representatives, employers, worker unions, and various stakeholders. Since 2018, several contributions towards this protection have been made in 13 locations across the country, with over 1,400 people participating. MTUC has been among the organizations involved in this process.

Following this, discussions about the proposal for the scheme have continued as its concept and implementation became more detailed. Halim himself has participated in discussions on this matter with Perkeso, according to a statement. He mentioned that there is still room for discussions to highlight differing viewpoints regarding wages, implementation methods, and other aspects.

Halim maintains the Lindung 24/7 scheme which has long been a gap in worker protection, in addition to guaranteeing family safety in case of accidents outside working hours. The government has also taken into account public opinion when deciding to include the scheme for local workers on a voluntary basis. The government has given workers full responsibility for funding the scheme, unlike the traditional Perkeso model where a significant portion is borne by employers.

The rate starts at 0.75% of monthly salary, increases to 1% in the third year, and 1.25% from the sixth year. Employers will submit this amount to Perkeso along with regular salaries, allowing workers to receive protection without needing individual policies. Earlier today, Kamarul was reported to have said that the strike would be held at Perkeso offices nationwide to protest the implementation of the Lindung 24/7 scheme and urge the organization to hold an immediate dialogue with workers' representatives.

He claimed the wage increase is too high and claims there was no discussion with the union about the scheme.