KUALA LUMPUR: The Industrial Relations Department (IRD) has received 31 claims for reinstatement involving retrenched Malindo Air staff, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said, as of Nov 2, 31 claims were filed under Section 20 of the Industrial Relations Act 1967.
Section 20 of the act stipulates that a person, whether a member of a trade union or otherwise, may file a claim to be reinstated if the person considers that he or she has been dismissed without just cause or excuse.
"Of the total, 24 cases have been resolved through peaceful negotiations, while the remaining seven cases are still being negotiated, under the purview of the IRD.
"The department foresees that it will receive more cases filed by Malindo Air workers, as the 60-day time period to file claims under the Industrial Relations Act has not ended, and the Conditional Movement Control Order is still being enforced."
Saravanan said this in response to a question from Kasthuri Patto (PH-Batu Kawan) during Minister's Question Time in Parliament, today.
Kasthuri had asked the minister to state assistance from the ministry provided to Malindo Air staff who were retrenched at short notice.
She had also asked the minister to explain the ministry's plans to ensure job security for Malindo Air staff who had been affected by the retrenchment exercise.
Saravanan said the Labour Department had taken the initiative to hold discussions with Malindo Air management, together with the IRD and the Social Security Organisation today.
He added that the meeting would discuss issues related to compliance of labour legislation, as well as steps to ensure the welfare of the workers involved.
"Malindo Air staff who have been retrenched can apply for the Job Search Allowance for up to six months under the Employment Insurance Scheme.
"Allowance payment is made between 80 per cent and 30 per cent from the final salary, with a salary limit of RM4,000," said Saravanan.
Other benefits in the scheme include the early re-employment allowance, reduced income allowance, training allowance, training fees, and job assistance benefits, he added.
"At the same time, Malindo Air staff who have been retrenched can register with the MyFutureJobs portal to secure employment.
"The ministry, through the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), has various initiatives under the Penjana HRDF which can help Malindo Air staff who have lost or may lose their jobs."
Saravanan said the "Place and Train" initiative would enable Malindo Air workers to be retrained and placed in other vacancies in the related hospitality industry sectors.
Malindo Air was reported to have trimmed its workforce from 3,200 to 1,000 staff and all the affected employees were expected to complete their employment by Nov 30.