ORGANIZING WORKER (LOCAL / MIGRANT WORKERS IN SMALL PLATATION) THE MALAYSIA JEYA PASKAR NARAYANAN

BACKGROUND General workers in small farmers in Malaysia is low wage – low education – no skill needed. Local & Migrant workers working together. High turnover because of migrant workers return to country every two years. They come back same pay even they have experience for two years (spraying). No protection or provident fund. NO correct figure but estimate there are about 500,000 workers in big and small plantation.

TARGET GROUP PARTIES INVOLVED Contract and Casual workers Migrant workers examples : Small business / General workers in Plantation Trade Union (local) / International Union in same industries. Government – Human Resource Ministry / NGO PARTIES INVOLVED

Objectives Organizing these workers, prevent exploitation. Immediate objectives - To group them union benefits (provide consultation – advice on OSH. - Inform (RSOP) EUROPEGAP, - Government run scheme FELDA ; NO inspection on this area and formal body is taking care of them

Activities Open migrant workers centre with IRO – to handle complaint Road show – work sites Places they go in holiday (supermarket) Through the agency (recruitment) Activities – show accident’s or chemical related sickness – how to protect long term deformity. Insurance coverage in cases – to help family or each assistance or recover from injury.