PETALING JAYA | As the movement control order (MCO) enters its third week, some employers continue to run foul of the law by forcing their employees to come to work, said a workers’ union.
MTUC president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor expressed his concern over some small and medium enterprises (SMEs) ordering staff to work, even during the MCO.
“Employees were told to come to work and that they will otherwise face pay cuts or be fired.
“As MTUC president, I’m worried because employers have been inconsiderate and selfish, with some worksites not even providing personal protective or safety equipment, ” he said.
Abdul Halim said a “Class A” restaurant was found to be transferring its staff from branches directed to be closed to work in branches that were allowed to operate.
Orders resembling threats were hurled at staff, who were asked to go on annual leave or quit if they refused to toe the line, he said.
“MTUC is worried, as employers from SMEs, restaurants and food delivery services are selfish.
“For example, for food delivery companies, employers do not make it compulsory for employees to be screened every day to see if they risk carrying the virus, ” he said, adding that MTUC and workers are urging the government to tighten safety and health requirements during the MCO, which ends on April 14.
Among the requirements that MTUC said must be in place are that employers obtain the government’s permission to operate, provide vehicles to transport employees to and from their homes and workplace, and provide screening before boarding the vehicle and before entering the work premises.
Employers must also provide break facilities, including food and beverages, or other needed facilities and also provide an inconvenience allowance for workers, said Abdul Halim.
Should employees face problems with their employers and require MTUC help, Abdul Halim said he can be personally contacted at 012-382 6561 while the secretary-general can be reached at 016-229 7279.
