MTUC calls for a five-day work week

The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) today called on the government to make it compulsory for private sector to implement a five-day work week in a bid to increase productivity.

Its deputy secretary-general, A. Balasubramaniam, said this would also help to streamline the working days with government agencies, departments and the financial institutions.

Speaking to Bernama, he said MTUC had been receiving complaints that many companies in the shipping, forwarding, logistic and ancillary service sectors were still practicing a six-day work week with Saturdays as half day.

MTUC survey revealed that these companies dealt mainly with businesses that closed on Saturdays.

"What use is it to open for work when your counterparts are closed?" he said, adding that it was indeed a sheer waste of time and money, besides lowering the morale of employees.

He said the Human Resources Ministry should take the initiative to educate these businesses on the benefits of a five-day work week, which, among others, provide leisure and quality time for employees to be with their families and friends, and improve the overall job satisfaction and quality of life.