MTUC chief backs dialogue over Socso protest tactics

Halim Mansor, president of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC), has signalled a preference for continued dialogue with the government over the union movement's recent protest strategies targeting the Social Security Organisation (Socso). The position marks a departure from the stance taken by the union's secretary-general regarding the industrial action.

Halim emphasised that the labour movement should persist in addressing worker grievances through constructive engagement rather than confrontational tactics. He stressed the importance of maintaining channels of communication with relevant authorities to resolve disputes affecting employees' welfare and entitlements.

The disagreement within MTUC leadership highlights differing approaches to labour advocacy in Malaysia. While acknowledging workers' concerns are legitimate, Halim's intervention suggests a desire to balance activism with pragmatism in negotiations with government agencies and employers.

The Socso dispute has drawn significant attention from Malaysia's labour sector, with various unions expressing concerns about benefit structures and administrative practices affecting members. The MTUC's internal divisions underscore the complexity of representing diverse union interests while pursuing effective outcomes for workers across different industries.