19 September 2014, Malaysiakini.com
The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP), is seriously concerned about the findings of the report by Verité, ‘Forced Labour in the Production of Electronic Goods in Malaysia, A Comprehensive Study of Scope and Characteristics’.
Although ROAP is not in a position to verify the specific numbers given in the report, it confirms that there are real problems with working conditions, employment and recruitment practices – particularly in relation to migrant workers – that need to be urgently addressed.
By throwing a spotlight onto these abuses the report creates an opportunity for the Malaysian government and employers to scrutinise recruitment and employment practices, and review the policies that contribute to making workers vulnerable.
In particular, more can be done to make it easier for migrants to change employers, to protect their rights to join trade unions, and to ensure that discussions on migration policies include employers’ and workers’ organisations as well as all relevant parts of the government.