ILO statement on the VERITE report concerning working conditions in Malaysia's electronics sector
BANGKOK (ILO News) - The ILO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RO-Asia and the Pacific), is seriously concerned about the findings of the report by Verité, “Forced labor in the production of electronic goods in Malaysia: A comprehensive study of scope and characteristics”. Although RO-Asia and the Pacific is not in a position to verify the specific numbers given in the report, it confirms that there are real problems with working conditions, employment and recruitment practices - particularly in relation to migrant workers - that need to be urgently addressed.
By throwing a spotlight onto these abuses the report creates an opportunity for the Malaysian Government and employers to scrutinise recruitment and employment practices, and review the policies that contribute to making workers vulnerable. In particular, more can be done to make it easier for migrants to change employers, to protect their rights to join trade unions, and to ensure that discussions on migration policies include employers’ and workers’ organizations as well as all relevant parts of the Government.
The ILO has provided comments to the Malaysian Government, workers’ and employers’ organizations, on a draft Bill to tighten the regulation of private employment agencies. We strongly recommend that this Bill be extended to cover outsourcing agencies. The ILO has supported the training of some Malaysian Government labour inspectors, to recognize and deal with human trafficking for labour exploitation. The ILO stands ready to provide further help to tackle these unacceptable abuses.
We recognise the efforts made by those responsible employers in Malaysia who are working to ensure that bad practices are eliminated from their workplaces and supply chains. The ILO is working with the Malaysian Employers’ Federation (MEF) to develop guidelines on the recruitment and placement of migrant workers. The MEF has also made a number of recommendations to the Government on reducing abuses, cutting costs and making the recruitment process fairer and more transparent. The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has long been advocating for better policies, and through their migrant worker resource centres has helped individuals obtain access to justice.
Senior Communication Officer
ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok
Tel.: +66 8989 50912
Email
Jiraporn Wongpaithoon
Communications Officer
ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok
Tel.: +66 2288 1664
Email
By throwing a spotlight onto these abuses the report creates an opportunity for the Malaysian Government and employers to scrutinise recruitment and employment practices, and review the policies that contribute to making workers vulnerable. In particular, more can be done to make it easier for migrants to change employers, to protect their rights to join trade unions, and to ensure that discussions on migration policies include employers’ and workers’ organizations as well as all relevant parts of the Government.
The ILO has provided comments to the Malaysian Government, workers’ and employers’ organizations, on a draft Bill to tighten the regulation of private employment agencies. We strongly recommend that this Bill be extended to cover outsourcing agencies. The ILO has supported the training of some Malaysian Government labour inspectors, to recognize and deal with human trafficking for labour exploitation. The ILO stands ready to provide further help to tackle these unacceptable abuses.
We recognise the efforts made by those responsible employers in Malaysia who are working to ensure that bad practices are eliminated from their workplaces and supply chains. The ILO is working with the Malaysian Employers’ Federation (MEF) to develop guidelines on the recruitment and placement of migrant workers. The MEF has also made a number of recommendations to the Government on reducing abuses, cutting costs and making the recruitment process fairer and more transparent. The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has long been advocating for better policies, and through their migrant worker resource centres has helped individuals obtain access to justice.
For more information please contact:
Sophy FisherSenior Communication Officer
ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok
Tel.: +66 8989 50912
Jiraporn Wongpaithoon
Communications Officer
ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok
Tel.: +66 2288 1664