KUALA LUMPUR: The Labour Law Reform Coalition (LLRC) called out the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) to stop weaponising the Covid-19 pandemic in surpassing the national minimum wage rise.
Instead, they said the federation should be reminded that workers suffered just as much as employers did during these exceptional times.
LLRC's co-chairpersons N. Gopal Kishnam and Irene Xavier, in a statement today said that the pandemic impacted workers just as much, as they were laid off, forced to take unpaid leave or had substantial wage cuts.
"Economists have forecasted that Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) growth will increase from 3.5 per cent in 2021 to 6.2 per cent.
"Since the negative impact of the pandemic was shouldered equally by both employers and workers, why can't employers share economic profit in the form of wage rise with workers when the economy is recovering?
"MEF should not exaggerate the employers' suffering but neglect the sacrifice of the workers. It is unfair to say that the wage rise will kill businesses," said the duo in a statement, today.
The duo said it was time for employers to compensate workers with a higher wage floor just as the economy is returning to normal, as the national minimum wage is still below the poverty line.
"The market must recognise that there is a human element in determining labour cost, so please treat workers as human beings who need decent living, rather than as a commodity that generates profits for capital owners".
LLRC, which was endorsed by 58 trade unions from various sectors and workers organisations, also urged the government to announce the new minimum wage immediately.
"The delay in implementing the new minimum wage has again violated the purpose of the National Wage Consultative Council Act 2016 that requires the minimum wage to be revised every two years," they said.
MEF president Syed Hussain Syed Husman had been reported saying on Sunday (Feb 6) that the proposed increase of the national minimum wage to RM1,500 will kill businesses.
He was reported saying that most businesses are still recovering from the pandemic, and the government should focus on efforts to help the private sector recover while controlling the cost of products and services instead.