Trade Unions in Malaysia

In Malaysia, a union is legally defined by the Trade Unions Act 1959 as an organization consisting of employees or employers who work in the same or similar trade, occupation, or industry. - A union provides employee members with two essential labor rights. - The first right is the ability to express work-related grievances without facing any negative consequences. - The second right is the opportunity to engage in collective bargaining to improve working conditions.

Three types of unions: 1. Public sector employee unions 2. Private sector employee unions 3. Employer unions Private sector employee unions can be categorized into two types: national unions and in-house unions. National unions represent employees in the same or similar sector across the country, while in-house unions are specific to employees hired by a particular employer. - Union members have formed a society registered under the Societies Act 1966. - The purpose of this society is to promote stronger member solidarity. - Two examples of such societies are the Malaysian Trades Union Congress and the Malaysia Employers Federation.

Unions provide protection for workers in three main ways. - Workers can be represented by organizations in labour disputes with employers - Representation aims to address and combat labour exploitation Additional welfare services may be provided by certain organizations. These services can include skills training, childcare support, and cost of living allowances. Unions engage in collective bargaining with employers for…