Trade union representatives in Malaysia are enhancing efforts to promote more inclusive organizing, with a strong focus on increasing the participation and leadership of women and migrant workers. These initiatives were discussed during a two-day training workshop held in Kuala Lumpur on 16–17 March 2026, which brought together 25 representatives from around 10 unions affiliated with the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC). Participants included union leaders, organizers, and workers from sectors such as electrical and electronics, banking and finance, textiles, and food and catering.
The workshop focused on strengthening trade union policies and campaign strategies to support inclusive organizing, while also linking freedom of association and collective bargaining with efforts to address risks of forced labour and child labour. Participants examined existing barriers that limit the involvement of women and migrant workers, including structural, legal, and workplace-related challenges, and emphasized the need to revise union rules and internal practices to better reflect workers’ realities.
Discussions also explored practical solutions to improve inclusion, such as creating leadership pathways for women, adopting non-discrimination approaches, and improving access to participation within unions. Participants shared perspectives on how trade unions can better respond to the needs and concerns of both local and migrant workers in diverse workplaces.
The importance of inclusive policies was highlighted by MTUC leadership, who noted that expanding participation strengthens unions’ ability to address workers’ challenges more effectively. Participants also emphasized that enabling greater involvement of women and migrant workers enhances the overall effectiveness of trade union action.
To connect discussions with real industry conditions, the workshop included an analysis of the electrical and electronics sector, focusing on global supply chains and associated labour rights risks. It also examined recent legal reforms in Malaysia and their implications for trade union organizing and representation in the country.
Participants agreed on several follow-up actions, including sharing knowledge within their unions, reviewing internal policies, and incorporating inclusive strategies into future campaigns and organizing efforts. The workshop was supported by the ADVANCE Project in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, with funding from Employment and Social Development Canada.
