Unions Ink MoU On Migrant Workers

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- A group of labour unions and related committees have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which, among others, eyes cooperation on protecting and promoting the rights of migrant workers in Malaysia. They also seek to link the migrant workers with local trade unions, trade unions from the country of origin, government and non-governmental services for migrant workers, and organise migrant workers. "The parties to this MoU agree to the establishment of a coordinated campaign on organising, legislative advocacy and service and communication to reach out and assist migrant workers," according to the MoU signed here Friday. The 10 signatories included the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC), Building and Wood Workers' International, UNI Global Union, General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions and BWI Malaysian Affiliates Coordinating Committee. Malaysian Liaison Council-UNI president Shafie Mammal told reporters after the signing that trade unions in Malaysia were committed to serving migrant workers. "Through this joint effort, we'll reach out to a wider migrant community towards ensuring that they're not exploited," he said. MTUC president Khalid Atan said the government should have better monitoring of agents for migrant workers. He also urged the government to continue addressing the issue of undocumented migrant workers in the country. -- BERNAMA