This came after the management and the workers’ union could not agree on 11 of the 44 proposed clauses for a new collective agreement (CA).

Peninsular Malaysia Cement Industry Employees Union secretary-general P Thamotharan said the 17th CA had ended in June 2022, but discussions held with the management on the new CA had stalled.

He said the management had only agreed to 33 of the 44 proposed clauses submitted on Feb 9 and March 19, and 11 were not accepted despite several meetings and discussions.

“The proposed 11 clauses that were not accepted were those related to claims, remuneration for staff according to their expertise, as well as medical benefits to the staff because the health of employees must be given importance.

“We have also requested the management to review the shift allowance because there has been no review for the past six years.

“We are also demanding maternity leave, a housing allowance and minimum wages,” he told reporters today.

Perak human resources, health, Indian community affairs and national integration committee chairman A Sivanesan and Perak human resources department director Fauzi Abd Ghani were also present.

Thamotharan said the union was surprised when it was informed that the management had lodged a complaint to the industrial relations department under Section 18 (1) of the Industrial Relations Act 1967, with reference to the proposed CA.

Sivanesan later held a meeting with the management to find a solution to the deadlock.

He said that following the management’s agreement to resume negotiations with the union, both parties would be given two weeks to try and resolve the matter.

“If they fail to reach an agreement, the industrial relations department will take further action.

“The union also agreed to end their picketing today,” he said.

According to Sivanesan, the management said it had turned down the  11 clauses because of the financial impact they would have on the company.

He said the company stated that it would not be able to fulfil the obligations.