KUALA LUMPUR – The Industrial Relations Department (JPPM) saw an increment in work recovery representation cases last year, said Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri M.Saravanan.
In a statement, he said this was because of rising lay-offs due to the implementation of various Covid-19 restrictions on movement since March last year.
Saravanan said the department received 9,142 cases last year compared to 7,179 cases in 2019. Of the total cases reported, JPPM has successfully resolved 6,275 cases.
Meanwhile, a total of 3,684 cases were resolved through direct negotiations between employers and workers.
Of the total, 2,150 cases were solved via ex-gratia payment involving RM50,874,675.24 and 196 individuals were successfully restored to their original positions.
Saravanan said for 2018 and 2019, ex-gratia payments amounted to RM22,372, 549.14 and RM47,279,565.39 respectively.
He said JPPM also took the initiative to solicit complaints online to help employees.
He added that negotiation meetings were held virtually with the consent of both employer and employees.
“Employer, employees and unions are encouraged to settle cases through peaceful negotiations as it can save time and costs, as well as maintain harmonious and conducive industrial relations,” he added. – Bernama, February 22, 2021