Malaysian airline deal could see workers’ rights eroded warns ITF

October 26, 2011

The ITF has urged the Malaysian government to ensure that workers’ rights are preserved in any future collaboration between Malaysia Airlines System (MAS) and low cost carrier Air Asia. It has been reported that an agreement between the two airlines was reached without union consultation.

In a letter, dated 19 October, to Malaysian prime minister Yab Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, ITF general secretary David Cockroft outlined concerns that a share swap and collaboration between MAS and Air Asia could lead to the erosion of workers’ rights. This could include the right of ITF affiliate Malaysia Airlines System Employees’ Union (MASEU) to represent and collectively bargain on behalf of MAS workers. The MASEU, he said, was willing to work with management to help the national carrier maintain its international reputation, increase its profitability and build up its market share. However, the lack of consultation with the union, the well-known anti-union reputation of Air Asia and the planned deployment of thousands of staff to new entities as part of a restructuring exercise had created grave concern among the workforce.

Cockroft said: “The ITF and its affiliates are calling on the government of Malaysia and the management of MAS to work with MASEU and other independent unions, and to act transparently and in good faith in implementing any changes within the airline. MASEU is open to change but insists on the need to protect workers’ terms and conditions, and maintains the union’s right to continue to represent and bargain for all MAS workers, however the management decides to reconfigure operations within the airline. MASEU has the full support of the ITF and its affiliates, who are clear that legal devices should not be used to remove or dilute the union’s representation rights in the course of this process. Without these safeguards, the union would be strongly opposed to any further collaboration with Air Asia.”