The tale of three women's struggle for justice and equality
The tale of three women's struggle for justice and equality
by Indrani Kopal | 12:05PM May 24, 2012
Guppy Union was started by women workers who worked in a plastics factory in Balakong, Cheras.
Their struggle and desire to start a union started 14 years ago, when they were frustrated with their bosses for increasing their wages by a mere 10 sen.
The workers then decided to get organised to protect their interests.
The first meeting to establish a pro-tem committee was held on Nov 16, 1997.
After much hassle, the government approved the Guppy Industries Workers Union on April 2, 1998, led by a seven-member committee with Koyil Vani Saminathan as chairperson.
However, Guppy refused to recognise the union unless three-quarters of the workers joined the union, including those in the branch in Prai, Penang.
The union committee and members were left frustrated as they had not been aware of the Prai operations.
Still, the three main office-bearers - Koyil Vani Saminathan, secretary Roshamiza Muhamamd and treasurer Kanniamah Annasamy - headed for Prai to recruit members.
In spite of numerous threats, negative propaganda and dirty tricks by the factory owners to deter union activities, they were able to slowly add to the membership.
On May 30, 1998, however, the management suspended all the committee members and then sacked Koyil Vani, Roshamiza, who had worked for the company since April 1993, and Kanniamah, an employee since July 1991.
However, the 200 union members re-elected Koyil Vani as their chairperson up to 2008.
The union continued to function under the able leadership of vice-chairperson Rahiman Mansor and assistant treasurer S Visaletchumy. But on Aug 25, 2001, they were suspended and eventually sacked.
Guppy Plastic Industries rejected all attempts by Industrial Relations officers to reinstate the workers or to agree to resolve any of the disputes referred by the union.
In September 1998, the matter was referred to the Industrial Court. In May
by Indrani Kopal | 12:05PM May 24, 2012
Guppy Union was started by women workers who worked in a plastics factory in Balakong, Cheras.
Their struggle and desire to start a union started 14 years ago, when they were frustrated with their bosses for increasing their wages by a mere 10 sen.
The workers then decided to get organised to protect their interests.
The first meeting to establish a pro-tem committee was held on Nov 16, 1997.
After much hassle, the government approved the Guppy Industries Workers Union on April 2, 1998, led by a seven-member committee with Koyil Vani Saminathan as chairperson.
However, Guppy refused to recognise the union unless three-quarters of the workers joined the union, including those in the branch in Prai, Penang.
The union committee and members were left frustrated as they had not been aware of the Prai operations.
Still, the three main office-bearers - Koyil Vani Saminathan, secretary Roshamiza Muhamamd and treasurer Kanniamah Annasamy - headed for Prai to recruit members.
In spite of numerous threats, negative propaganda and dirty tricks by the factory owners to deter union activities, they were able to slowly add to the membership.
On May 30, 1998, however, the management suspended all the committee members and then sacked Koyil Vani, Roshamiza, who had worked for the company since April 1993, and Kanniamah, an employee since July 1991.
However, the 200 union members re-elected Koyil Vani as their chairperson up to 2008.
The union continued to function under the able leadership of vice-chairperson Rahiman Mansor and assistant treasurer S Visaletchumy. But on Aug 25, 2001, they were suspended and eventually sacked.
Guppy Plastic Industries rejected all attempts by Industrial Relations officers to reinstate the workers or to agree to resolve any of the disputes referred by the union.
In September 1998, the matter was referred to the Industrial Court. In May