KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has proposed that gig economy workers form trade unions to strengthen protections for their rights and welfare amid the sector’s rapid growth.
Its president, Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor, said the establishment of such unions is important to ensure gig workers’ voices are channelled in an organised manner and to enable them to negotiate fairer employment terms through collective agreements.
He said the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872), enforced by the Human Resources Ministry, provides a foundation of protection for the group, including through the establishment of the Gig Consultative Council and the Gig Workers Tribunal.
"In this context, trade unions can complement the existing legal framework by advocating workers’ rights in a more structured and effective manner,” he said.
He added that gig workers also have legal avenues to form unions under the Trade Unions Act 1959 and the Industrial Relations Act 1967, allowing them to exercise their right to collective bargaining.
Earlier, media reports said several non-governmental organisations had called on the government to implement an immediate moratorium on Act 872, citing concerns over its effectiveness.
Abdul Halim said the introduction of a specific law for gig workers is a positive step by the government to ensure their welfare is safeguarded and can be improved over time in line with evolving needs.
"Just as the Employment Act 1955 and the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) Act 1969 are regularly amended to enhance protection, the Gig Workers Act can also be strengthened from time to time,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the proposal to form trade unions is not only aimed at strengthening protection for gig workers, but also to prevent issues related to their welfare from being politicised by certain parties.
"The main focus should be on improving the existing protection system, rather than creating polemics that may confuse the public,” he said.
On Tuesday, the government enforced Act 872, which benefits about 1.64 million gig economy workers in Malaysia through greater transparency in service agreements, agreed income rates, prohibition of discrimination, as well as social security protection via Perkeso, in addition to occupational safety and health. - BERNAMA