Retrenched Utusan workers still need strong representation and support - NUJM

SHAH ALAM - The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) has reiterated its commitment to stand by former Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd employees despite the recent Federal Court decision that dismissed their compensation appeal.

Its General Secretary Teh Athira Mohd Yusof said while the union accepts the court’s ruling, it remains resolute in its belief that the retrenched workers still require strong representation and support.

"Many of these former employees have been severely impacted, with some facing serious health issues, others still unemployed, and, tragically, some have passed away," she said in a statement today.

She stressed that it was NUJM’s responsibility to defend the rights of these workers, as they were not adequately informed about the situation when the company ceased operations.

"As the former union representing Utusan, it is our responsibility and duty to defend the rights of the former Utusan employees.

"Efforts have already been undertaken, including fundraising initiatives to assist those in need," she added.

Teh Athira also highlighted the importance of having trade unions in every company to safeguard workers' interests.

"The right of workers to join a union cannot be denied.

"It is through such solidarity that we can better face challenges like these," she said.

The Federal Court on Sept 9 ruled that former employees of Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd, which ceased operations in 2019 due to financial difficulties, could not bring their case to the Industrial Court for unfair dismissal.

This decision was reportedly upheld by a three-member bench led by Justice Zabariah Yusof, who noted that the liquidation of the company was bona fide and justified and that the case did not fall under Section 20(1) of the Industrial Relations Act 1967.

The ex-Utusan employees, numbering 211, had sought compensation directly through the Industrial Court.

However, the liquidator objected, stating that the court lacked jurisdiction and that the claims should have been made within the winding-up process.

Both the High Court and the Court of Appeal dismissed their appeals, leading to the Federal Court's ruling.

Utusan Malaysia, the oldest Malay-language newspaper in the country, ceased operations in Oct 2019, leaving 862 employees without jobs and little notice.

Although the newspaper has since been revived under new ownership, the retrenched workers continue to face difficulties seeking redress for their sudden unemployment.

NUJM has vowed to intensify efforts to support these former employees and remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of media practitioners across Malaysia.

"In the future, NUJM will intensify efforts to support the former Utusan employees and remains committed to fighting for the rights and welfare of media practitioners in Malaysia," she said.