Written by: Mohamad Zamberee bin Abu Samah (Second Year Student, Industrial Relations & Employment Programme)
On April 22, 2025, the Industrial Relations and Employment Programme (IREP), with support from the Industrial Relations and Employment Club (IREC) 2024/2025 session, organised a lecture titled “Industrial Harmony in Industrial Relations: Collective Bargaining and Collective Agreements.” The event took place at Dewan Kristal HEPA, UNIMAS, and was attended by 156 students: 66 from Year 2 and 90 from Year 3 of the IREP programme.
The session featured Puan Kamasiah Binti Hj Taiban, President of the Union of Telecoms Employees Sarawak (UTES), as the main speaker. She was accompanied by Tuan Muhammad Hasnizam bin Drahman, General Secretary of UTES. The lecture aimed to provide students with a practical understanding of collective bargaining and collective agreements, emphasizing their role in promoting fair and stable industrial relations.
The speaker, Puan Kamasiah binti Hj Taiban, shares important information about the Collective Bargaining and Collective Agreements, including how it helps protect the rights and welfare of the working class.
Puan Kamasiah shared detailed insights from the recent negotiation process between Telekom Malaysia (TM) and UTES. She explained the stages involved, including reviewing unchanged clauses, assessing non-monetary and monetary provisions, and proposing new terms. Once both parties reach an agreement, the document is signed and submitted to the Industrial Court for registration. Implementation is supported through roadshows and standing committee meetings.
The session also addressed challenges in industrial relations, such as unequal bargaining power and the protection of contract workers. Students learned how collective bargaining helps workers advocate for better wages and working conditions, while also reinforcing the importance of employer recognition of employee contributions through binding agreements.
The lecture concluded with an open discussion, where students gained a deeper appreciation of the legal frameworks and practical realities of industrial relations. Feedback from attendees was positive, with many expressing that the talk enhanced their understanding of how collective efforts contribute to a balanced and just workplace.
Students of Industrial Relations and Employment Programme (IREP).
This event was part of FSSH’s continued efforts to link academic learning with real-world practice and to prepare students for future roles in managing employment relations.
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