GENEVA, June 10 — Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan participated in a high-level meeting with representatives of UNI Global Union, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to advancing workers’ rights, social justice and international labour cooperation.
The meeting brought together UNI Global Union Secretary-General Christy Hoffman, UNI Gaming Head Giedre Lelyte and Senior Policy Adviser Ben Richards. It marked the first formal engagement between the Malaysian Government and UNI Global Union, taking into account the role of the UNI Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC), led by its President Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal, as an affiliate of the global labour organisation.
The discussions took place on the sidelines of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), where UNI-MLC formed one of the largest worker groups within the Malaysian delegation.
During the meeting, Ramanan highlighted several key initiatives undertaken by the Malaysian Government to strengthen national labour standards and improve worker protection. These include ongoing labour law reforms, the introduction of the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872), the implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan (OSHMP) 2026–2030, and the launch of the 24-Hour Non-Workplace Accident Protection Scheme (LINDUNG 24 JAM), which came into effect on June 1, 2026.
Representatives from UNI Global Union and UNI-MLC also emphasised the importance of collective bargaining and freedom of association as fundamental principles in safeguarding workers’ rights and promoting fair labour practices.
The meeting further addressed concerns over geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East and their potential impact on global economic stability, supply chains, employment opportunities and workers’ welfare. Participants acknowledged that such challenges could affect many countries, including Malaysia, through rising operational costs, market volatility and pressures on employment sectors.
Ramanan stressed that workers’ rights and social justice principles must continue to be upheld despite global uncertainties, adding that geopolitical instability should never be used as a reason to weaken labour standards, compromise workers’ welfare or erode social protection systems that are essential for sustainable and inclusive economic development.
The engagement reinforced ties between Malaysia and UNI Global Union, one of the world’s leading international labour organisations, while strengthening strategic cooperation in labour development, social dialogue and workforce empowerment at the global level.
Also present were Deputy Secretary-General (Policy and International) Dr Mohd Shaharin Umar, Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, Political Secretary Aizuddin Abd Gaffal, Deputy Director of the Labour Policy Division Grace Dairiam, and senior ministry officials.
— MINUTESMY
— SOURCE: FB RAMANAN RAMAKRISHANAN
