KUCHING: Trade unions must play a stronger role in protecting workers’ rights and driving national productivity as Malaysia faces an increasingly complex labour environment, says Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala.
He urged more workers, especially in Sarawak, to join trade unions to ensure their welfare and rights are well protected, describing unions as crucial partners in maintaining industrial harmony and sustainable growth.
“Trade unions are not just advocates for workers’ welfare. They are catalysts for productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.”
Gerawat said this in his speech when officiating the National Trade Union Movement Colloquium 2025 held at Riverside Majestic hotel here on Thursday (Oct 23).
He said the Sarawak government remains committed to working with the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) and the Department of Trade Union Affairs (JHEKS) to strengthen tripartite relations between the government, employers, and unions, a collaboration he said is vital to balancing economic interests with social well-being.
The two-day colloquium, attended by over 100 participants including union leaders, government officials, academics, and employers, serves as a platform to discuss new strategies and reforms for Malaysia’s labour movement.
Among the highlights were discussions on “Amendments to the Trade Unions Act 1959: Diversity in Unionism,” “Union Transformation in the Digital Era,” and “Empowering Women Union Leaders.”
Department of Trade Union Affairs director-general Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab said the event aims to strengthen understanding and leadership among union representatives, while encouraging more workers to get involved in the movement.
He revealed that Malaysia currently has 788 parent unions and about 2,000 unions, including branches, representing 1.04 million members. In Sarawak alone, there are 73 parent unions and 150 branches, with total membership reaching 68,834.
However, he noted that the unionisation rate nationwide remains below 10 per cent of the total 16.7 million labour force.
“Unions must continue their efforts to recruit more members so that more workers can benefit from the protection and opportunities offered.”
