Globe Silk Store, one of Malaysia's oldest stores, appears to be in financial trouble although it is unclear what triggered it.

Today, 110 of its employees whose services were terminated abruptly yesterday picketed in front of its main store in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur.

The workers comprise sale assistants, cashiers, store assistants, supervisors and clerks. They started the picket at about 2pm, ending it an hour later.

Except for four male workers, the rest were female.

A small group of policemen was present to control traffic in the busy thoroughfare where the picket took place. There were no untoward incidents.

Panver Selvan, a representative from the group, told malaysiakini that the company has not paid them salaries since March and that their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organization (Socso) contributions had not been paid since last November although the amount was deducted from their salary.

"We only get half of our pay in March" said Panver who has worked for Globe Silk Store for 23 years.

"We were not given any notice at all. The management just told us that the company has no money to pay us and we are not needed anyone." she said.

Panver said most of the terminated workers have been working there from five to 30 years.

Report to Labour Dept

Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud who was present to lend his support to the group told reporters that the union will give all the necessary support including legal aid to help the workers.

"Globe Silk Store is one of the oldest garment stores in Kuala Lumpur. They should take care of their workers even if they want to terminate their services. The company should behave more responsibly," he said.

MTUC, Shahir said, will lead the workers to lodge a report at the Labour Department in Kuala Lumpur next Monday.

DAP Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun who was also present said he would help the workers to resolve the matter.

Globe Silk Store was founded in Segamat, Johore in 1930. Its late founder, Tirathdas Jethanand, moved the store to Kuala Lumpur in 1947. They also have an outlet in Kuantan.

It is learnt that the management is in the process of winding up the business as it has not been doing well in recent years.

None of its managers could be contacted for comments.