THE world celebrates Labour Day on May 1.
Some labour rallies would take the form of protests against the abuse of workers.
There would also be protests against the neo-liberal economic system that favours corporations that dominate the economy, where wealth, land and technology are controlled by business elites.
This is at the expense of millions of people who live in poverty.
If one looks at Malaysia, there is a lack of consensus among business elites and unions on values and how to drive the nation forward.
Business elites are focused on cost-cutting and profits, while the workforce is more concerned about minimum wage, work-life balance and compensation benefits.
This turns into polemics between profit and workers’
rights.
Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran has consulted employers and employees to find a way to build human capital.
There has been emphasis on collaboration instead of the old master-servant relationship.
Consultations on the amendment to labour laws have been initiated or supported.
But such efforts will not achieve the results if common values are not deliberated and debated until a national consensus is found on how to boost human dignity through human capital development in the context of Industry 4.0.
But there is a consensus across cultures, religions and philosophies on shared human aspirations:
THE dignity of a person, whatever his race, gender, background and belief; and,
THE importance of the common good that transcends individual interest.
The question that arises is, does our industrial relations reflect the above?
The answer is “no”, due to the absence of consensus between employers and union.
It is hoped that in New Malaysia, industrial relations will clarify values on boosting human dignity and on what values are acceptable in Industry 4.0.
RONALD BENJAMIN
Executive secretary, Association for Community and Dialogue