SHAH ALAM: Only four of the more than 300 shipping companies in the country have signed a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the National Union of Seafarers of Peninsular Malaysia (NUSPM).
Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, NUSPM Secretary Ikmal Azam Thanaraj Abdullah said the situation was very disappointing because most shipping companies were seen to be taking a hands-off approach to workers' welfare.
He said the company's failure to sign a CBA affects the rights and protection of workers, especially in terms of salaries, benefits and welfare guarantees for local seafarers.
"When there is no agreement like this, what are the guarantees in the event of oppression against workers, especially regarding salaries?
"Who do they want to complain to and bring this issue to?" he said after the CBA Agreement Signing Ceremony between NUSPM and Orkim Berhad here yesterday.
Also present were Director General of Maritime Affairs, Datuk Dickson Dollah and Chief Executive Officer of Orkim Berhad, Captain Cheah Sin Bi.
According to Ikma Azaml, the agreement reflects the mutual commitment of both parties in strengthening the welfare, job protection, and improving the employment standards of Malaysian seafarers in line with the development of the maritime industry and international labour standards.
In the meantime, he said, companies that refuse to sign the CBA risk affecting the future of the local maritime workforce as young seafarers are becoming less interested in joining the industry.
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