Minimum Pay and employment

Pay and employment in on the agenda of many Malaysians, especially young adults and those with growing children.

As for pay, incomes have not risen in tandem with rising prices. 25 years ago, a University graduate was paid RM 1700.Today, 25 years later, after the economic bubble have deflated, many graduates are being offered RM 1,700 for entry positions.Worse, there are graduates working as Factory Operators, something unheard of 25 years ago.

After paying for lodging, transport and living expenses, there is nothing left for the employee.In a way,not much different from the master and servant(slave?) relationship - servant works and the master take care of everything else.

While there many ideas on the way forward,the govt. must ensure that Malaysians be given priority over foreign workers. The govt. must regulate the intake of foreigners into the job market.This will ensure that wages are not artifically held down by employing foreigners who are prepared to accept lower pay.

Secondly, it is important for the govt to introduce a minimum wage system. This was introduced in many countries including the newest superpower, China.It has succeeded in raising living standards whilst maintaining competitive edge.Minimum wage in part complements the tripartite relationship of unions , employers and workers by ensuring that workers can live decently.

During PRU 12, the Opposition’s manifesto included the introduction of a minimum wage system but they failed to wrest power at the Federal level.That was the last we heard of the minimum wage system.

Since there is a lack of will from the BN Federal Govt on this matter, it is only logical for voters to vote them out and install a new Federal Govt that have the political will to introduce such a system.

Workers and those joining the workforce should seriously consider this point before they put a cross on the ballot paper in next General Elections.