The Human Resource Ministry reminded the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) not to make an issue on the proposed amendments to the Employment Act Bill (Amendment) 2010, which will tabled at the upcoming Parliament session.

The ministry in a statement tonight said the proposed amendments had gone through a consultation process with representatives from 14 employer organisations and trade unions as many as 18 times since 2010.

"The proposed amendment draft was also extended for opinions and feedback from employee and employer representatives.

"Therefore, it was not made in haste as it went through a comprehensive consultation process with the important parties," said the ministry.

The ministry said it hoped the amendments will be supported by all concerned to protect the welfare of workers and industrial relations harmony in the country.

The ministry was commenting on MTUC's decision to picket in front of Parliament when it sits on Monday if the government continues with its plans to amend labour laws.

The Bill was first tabled in Parliament on July 8 2010 but was withdrawn on Oct 12 to take into consideration last minute views from various parties including MTUC about amending the term 'sub-contractor for labour' to 'contractor for labour' under Section 2 of the Employment Act 1955.

- Bernama