Human Resources Minister Fong Chan Onn said he would attempt to resolve an impasse between the management and employees of the Len Seng Omnibus Co Bhd, which has seen two-hour pickets being mounted daily for the last two weeks.

Speaking to reporters at his office in Putrajaya this morning, he said he planned to meet the general manager in the next few days. At the same time, ministry officials will be instructed to investigate the employees' complaints.

The minister had earlier held a meeting with Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Zainal Rampak, after which he met representatives of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the Len Seng union branch. The bus company operates in the Klang Valley.

"It appears that a number of employees have been dismissed due to a misunderstanding involving the collective agreement. This (the dismissal) shouldn't be the case and the ministry will try and solve the problem," he said.

Fong, who said he had been informed of similar problems in two other companies - Coca Cola Malaysia and iHomes - said he would call for an explanation from the managers concerned.

He said union leaders in Coca Cola had complained to him about the termination of a member, while iHomes unionised employees are said to be unhappy with the amount of compensation offered as part of a retrenchment package for 149 workers.

Fong called for greater co-operation between MTUC and the ministry to resolve labour issues in a constructive manner, saying he would consult unions "to find ways to realign our production systems so that Malaysia becomes more competitive in responding to globalisation".

"I don't want to be (seen as being) anti-employer, but companies should stop being anti-unions and be more open with their employees. If there is a need for upgrading or training of employees, then so be it," he added.

Sticking points

The Len Seng union branch had taken its case to the Kuala Lumpur Industrial Relations Department prior to meeting the minister. Two meetings were held on May 24 and June 22 respectively.

It said eight experienced bus drivers were suspended last week because they had allegedly not turned up for work. They have been replaced with younger e'mployees.

The union listed 10 other points of contention including the management's alleged failure to adhere to the terms of the collective agreement (CA) and to respond to the proposed terms for the 2002-2004 CA, which has yet to be concluded.

In addition, disputes have arisen over payment of salaries, overtime, allowances, EPF contributions and pension, while some employees are allegedly being forced to work more than 16 hours a day.

Zainal claimed that the company had indulged in union-busting tactics by taking disciplinary action against union leaders, who have been subjected to domestic inquiries.

TWU senior industrial relations officer Stephen Chin, who attended today's meeting, said the employees wanted a fair solution to their problems.

Unenforced code

Meanwhile, Fong said he would call for a meeting in the next few weeks with MTUC and Malaysian Employers Federation to revive discussion of the code of conduct for industrial harmony.

The code was drawn up in February 1975 after tripartite discussions that included the ministry.

This addressed the handling of key labour issues like overtime payment, and terms of retrenchment and termination of contracts.

However, Zainal claimed that the guidelines were "not enforced by the ministry", while employers had shown scant regard for the provisions.

He added that fresh dialogue is needed to make the code relevant to current needs and to ensure compliance by all parties.