Negative Perception Against Worker Union Leaders Should Change

KUANTAN, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- Negative perception against leaders of worker unions which were often labelled as pressure groups should be changed.

Human Resources Deputy Minister Datuk Ismail Abd Muttalib said on the other hand, worker unions should be viewed as supporters, partners and suppliers.

"Worker unions should be transformed as partners to the government and employers, towards achieving a high-income developed nation status," he said in a closing speech of the Trade Union Training On Leadership And Raconteur seminar here Friday.

The text of his speech was delivered by the ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Seri Zainal Rahim Seman.

Ismail said a worker union should be seen from a new perspective, that is, as supplier of competitive and skilled human resources, adding that external challenges and pressure also demanded that union leaders be more proactive, competitive, creative and innovative.

According to him, worker unions should be seen as relevant to national economic development.
-Bernama.