SIBU: Employers have been asked to do whatever they can to retain their employees despite the difficult times now, says Sarawak Workers Party (SWP) secretary-general Lavenia Mawas (pic).

In a statement, she said it is sad that in conjunction with Labour Day, a number of workers have lost their jobs, others have had their salaries cut or received no pay at all due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic internationally and in the country as well.

She added that workers are key elements in nation-building efforts, and their plight should always be looked into, especially now, when everyone is badly hit economically.

Lavenia called on employers to be more sympathetic by not laying off their staff.

“Malaysian workers are resilient, strong and well prepared to face the possibility of bad days ahead, even if the Covid19 pandemic prolongs, ” she said yesterday.

“In conjunction with this year’s Labour Day celebration, I wish all workers good health and hope they stay safe with their family during this pandemic, ” she added.

On another issue, Lavenia urged the government to waive vehicle road tax for a period of one year to all recipients of Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH), Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN) and workers in the country due to financial constraints that they are facing now.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/05/01/try-not-to-lay-off-workers-employers-told