Malaysian gaming unions prepare for changes to labour legislation

Members of UNI Global Union gaming affiliates, Genting Malaysia Bhd. Workers Union (GMBWU) and Resort World Berhad Executive Union (RWBEU), met on 13 to 14 December in Kuala Lumpur to learn more about the revised Employment Act in Malaysia, which comes into effect on 1 January 2023.

The changes to the labour legislation in Malaysia will reduce the working week from 48 hours to 45, increase maternity leave from 60 to 98 days, apply restrictions on the termination of pregnant employees, provide seven days paternity leave for the first time (to married men only), allow workers to apply for flexible working time, and compel companies to display notices to raise awareness of sexual harassment.

There are also new overtime provisions for workers earning less than MYR4,000 (US$905) per month.

Ben Lawrance Saiman, General Secretary of GMBWU, added “The workshop has enlightened Genting Malaysia Workers Union Leaders to embrace amended Employment Act 1955, Trade Union Act and social security protection. Training and education are vital to continue serving our membership and rebuild the Union after the pandemic hit.”

Opening the workshop and talking about organizing and capacity building, the President of Malaysia Liaison Council Bro. Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal stressed the importance of being able to get together and work with two Genting Unions after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The workshop also gave an opportunity to discuss the critical issues affecting the union members and workers in Genting Highlands, especially occupational safety and health. Participants heard from the representatives of different state departments (Manpower, Industrial Relations, Trade Union, Social Security) and held discussions in groups. The engagement at the workshop revealed how impact of the pandemic has changed workers’ mindset, as they are more vigilant in terms of accepting new norms, digitalization and technology and making sure their job security is not eroded.  

Nid Nuam, President of RWBEU, said: “This two day program is very much beneficial to us where we get clear inputs from good speakers in terms of effective union management, we share the latest developments in the climate of the world of work and identify and discuss ways to overcome new challenges post Covid pandemic.”

Giedre Lelyte, Head of UNI Gaming, addressed the workshop participants saying: “Asia & Pacific has established itself as a leading region in the gambling sector and brings a significant part of the global gambling revenue. A large number of gaming companies are ready to make investments and develop their business there. It is important the growth of the industry comes with decent employment. Strong trade unions standing for workers’ rights are the key and UNI Gaming is relying on working with both Genting unions in Malaysia to secure those rights.”

Genting Malaysia has a casino monopoly in its home market via the Resorts World Genting complex, which also runs casinos in the United States, the Bahamas, the United Kingdom and Egypt. The Genting group also operates a casino resort in Singapore, via Genting Singapore Ltd.