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Questions and Answers
What is one of the main reasons workers join trade unions?
What is one of the main reasons workers join trade unions?
Trade unions are exclusively meant for employers.
Trade unions are exclusively meant for employers.
False
What does the Trade Union Act specify about union membership?
What does the Trade Union Act specify about union membership?
Membership is limited to workers in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, or Sarawak.
Trade unions promote the __________ welfare of their members.
Trade unions promote the __________ welfare of their members.
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Match the terms with their definitions:
Match the terms with their definitions:
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Which of the following is NOT a main objective of trade unions?
Which of the following is NOT a main objective of trade unions?
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Employees are not influenced by peer pressure to join trade unions.
Employees are not influenced by peer pressure to join trade unions.
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What is one function of trade unions regarding disputes?
What is one function of trade unions regarding disputes?
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What is the minimum number of members required to sign an application for the registration of a trade union?
What is the minimum number of members required to sign an application for the registration of a trade union?
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Employers can prevent workers from joining trade unions.
Employers can prevent workers from joining trade unions.
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What legislative act protects the right of workers in Malaysia to form and join trade unions?
What legislative act protects the right of workers in Malaysia to form and join trade unions?
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Membership of trade unions must be limited to workers with __________ interests.
Membership of trade unions must be limited to workers with __________ interests.
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What can workers do if their rights under the Industrial Relations Act are violated?
What can workers do if their rights under the Industrial Relations Act are violated?
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Match the following sections of the Industrial Relations Act with their descriptions:
Match the following sections of the Industrial Relations Act with their descriptions:
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A worker can be dismissed for wanting to join a trade union.
A worker can be dismissed for wanting to join a trade union.
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Who is responsible for regulating the registration of trade unions?
Who is responsible for regulating the registration of trade unions?
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Which of the following is NOT a reason for the director general to refuse registration of a trade union?
Which of the following is NOT a reason for the director general to refuse registration of a trade union?
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Employees over the age of 16 can join any trade union.
Employees over the age of 16 can join any trade union.
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Name one example of a public sector employees' union in Malaysia.
Name one example of a public sector employees' union in Malaysia.
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An employee in the __________ sector cannot join a union if they work in a confidential position.
An employee in the __________ sector cannot join a union if they work in a confidential position.
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Match the types of unions with their examples:
Match the types of unions with their examples:
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Which of the following groups cannot join a trade union?
Which of the following groups cannot join a trade union?
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A union can be established if its objectives are lawful.
A union can be established if its objectives are lawful.
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What should the application for union registration include?
What should the application for union registration include?
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Study Notes
Reasons for Joining Trade Unions
- Workers join trade unions to improve their economic situations by achieving better terms and conditions of service.
- Unions give employees collective strength to negotiate with employers and a voice to express their needs.
- Workers join unions to ensure their rights are protected from exploitation and unfair treatment at work.
- Social reasons, such as solidarity with fellow workers and peer pressure, can also influence workers to join unions, especially during crucial stages of seeking recognition.
Objectives of Trade Unions
- To promote industrial, social, and intellectual interests of members.
- To secure and maintain fair wages, job security, reasonable working hours, and conditions for members, protecting their rights at the workplace.
- To enhance the material, social, and educational well-being of members.
- To advocate for legislation benefiting their interests and trade unionists in general, promoting employee-friendly laws.
Definition of a Trade Union
- According to the Trade Union Act, membership is limited to workers in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, or Sarawak.
- Any association or combination of workers or employers must be located in West Malaysia, Sabah, or Sarawak, operating within specific establishments, trades, occupations, or industries.
- Union objectives must include regulating relations between workers and employers, improving working conditions, enhancing economic and social standing, increasing productivity, representing workers or employers in trade disputes, handling trade disputes, and promoting, organizing, or financing strikes or lockouts.
Implications of the Trade Union Definition
- Trade unions can be called associations.
- Membership is geographically limited.
- Members must have shared interests (homogeneous).
- Both employers and employees have the right to form separate unions.
- Union objectives must comply with all legal regulations.
Membership of a Trade Union
- Workers in Malaysia have the right to form and join unions under the Industrial Relations Act (Freedom of Association).
- Employers cannot prevent workers from joining unions, refuse employment based on union membership, discriminate against union members, or threaten dismissal for joining a union.
- Complaints about violations of these rights can be reported to the Department of Industrial Relations, which can investigate and advise on settlement.
- Workers also have the right to choose not to join a union.
- Workers cannot be forced to join a union.
Registration of Trade Unions
- Unions must apply for registration within one month of establishment, with extensions possible up to six months.
- Applications require at least seven member signatures, fees, and a printed copy of the union's rules.
- The application must include the union's name, address, and members' occupations.
- The Director General of Trade Unions can refuse registration under several circumstances: unlawful objectives, conflicting constitution, undesirable or misleading name, potential for unlawful use, non-representation of workers' interests, or existing unions representing the same group of workers.
- The Director General can cancel registration for fraud, unlawful use, violation of the Act, illegal executive composition, misappropriation of funds, or cessation of existence.
Types of Unions in Malaysia
- Public sector employees' unions: Kesatuan Pekerja-Pekerja Risda, Persatuan Kakitangan Akademik Universiti Malaya.
- Private sector employees' unions: National Union of Bank Employees, National Union of Hotel, Bar & Restaurant Employees.
- Employers' unions: Association of Hotel Employers, Association of Insurance Employers (insurance companies).
Who Can Join a Union
- Individuals over 16 years old
- Workers aged 18 years or older, including part-time students
- Employees working in the relevant trade, occupation, or industry
- Public sector workers can only join unions serving the same Ministry or Department
- Statutory body employees can only join in-house unions.
Who Cannot Join a Union
- Certain government employees, such as police, prison officers, members of the armed forces, and those in confidential or security roles.
- Professional and managerial employees in the public sector, unless exempted by the Chief Secretary to the Government.
- Employees in categories different from their own, such as managers, executives, and staff in confidential or security positions.
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Description
Explore the key reasons why workers join trade unions and the objectives these organizations strive to achieve. This quiz covers topics related to economic improvement, protection of rights, and the advocacy for better working conditions. Test your knowledge on the significance of trade unions in promoting the well-being of their members.
