Unions and workers often become the scapegoat for drop in levels of productivity, even when problems are created by the forces of globalisation, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) said today.

Secretary-general G Rajasekaran said the employers have never blamed external forces or even the government for dragging workers into difficult situations, whenever any loss is suffered.

"A main concern for unions in terms of globalisation is the regressing state of collective bargaining power and collective agreements in general," he said in his opening remarks at a three-day labour seminar organised by the MTUC in Subang Jaya.

"Workers' concerns with bread-and-butter issues are inherent issues in collective agreements, but due to globalisation, we are losing ground in some of the more established areas."

About 50 representatives of government agencies, unions, academia and regional labour organisations are taking part in the seminar on 'New Approach to Wage Fixing in Light of Globalisation - Competitiveness and Labour Flexibility'.

Open communication

Rajasekaran said he was also worried about the growing anti-union perception that seems to prevail mostly among employers.

He said employers should make the effort to understand workers' needs and goals, especially in a more challenging and modern environment that is today.

"Employers must maintain an open communication line, listen closely to what workers want and act on it immediately. This would avoid a lot of unhappiness and dissatisfaction, as well as improve on the productivity," he said.

He said all parties should look at the big picture, in this case globalisation, and work towards a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Employers and workers were also cautioned about 'sweating over the small stuff' which may cost them their business and jobs.

Human attitudes, failings

Industrial Relations Director-General Mohd Yunus Razzaly said employers and workers should strike up a partnership if they are serious about keeping the big foreign players at bay.

"It is vital to have a united front when faced with globalisation because there is no running away from it. We should try to make the best, and most, of the situation," he told malaysiakini on the sidelines of the seminar.

He also said that mutual respect and industrial harmony was crucial to face globalisation, particularly since Malaysia is banking on attracting more foreign direct investors to come in and stay.

The way to go is by treating workers as partners and not just assets, he said, although workers should realise that recognition of a union does not mean the power to fight the management.

"It is an opportunity to be a partner to the management. It is up to the union's leaders to understand and act accordingly," said Mohd Yunus.

"At the end of the day, it all boils down to attitude and human failings. Given the changing times, different methods need to be employed to achieve one's objectives, be it psychological, diplomacy or respect."

He said both employers and workers have their tasks cut out for them ahead of the total opening up of markets.

"The employer's task is to ensure high productivity, create more job opportunities for locals and remain competitive. The worker's responsibility is to give his or her best, thus maintaining a mutually beneficial partnership which would keep the big boys out (of the local market)."

Worker's attitude

Mohd Yunus said that only a solid employer-employee partnership can help the Malaysian economy face the onslaught of globalisation.

Malaysian companies that are unable to compete locally, he said, should seriously consider venturing into other markets such as Africa.

Elaborating on workers' attitudes, he said that although Malaysian workers are among the world's best, it means nothing if the people are choosy, fussy or lazy.

"Workers should not give employers the opportunity to see the advantages of hiring foreign labour who, fortunately for them, are more hard working than their local counterparts," he said.

"Attitude is also an important factor in facing a globalised world because with the right one, it does not really matter whether Malaysia has a knowledgeable workforce."

Mohd Yunus said unions have to play the role of explaining the significance of a positive work attitude towards achieving a long-term career path and a better quality of life.