Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) president Datuk Azih Muda said the effort could also help workers rise above the poverty threshold caused by the current rising cost of living.
“The importance of skilled workers was highlighted in the industrial revolution that took place over 100 years ago in the western world.
“So we should develop skilled workers, so they in turn can contribute towards producing highly skilled workers who will be paid higher wages,” he told reporters after attending the National level 2016 Labour Day Celebrations which was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Dewan Tun Razak, Putra World trade Centre (PWTC), here Sunday.
Najib in his speech said the government was implementing six measures to produce a working class that was more competitive in moving the economy to a higher level.
The six measures cover various aspects, including upskilling and in turn increasing the salaries of employees.
However, Azih hoped the government could also control the price of goods to ensure workers were able to buy necessities such as houses, cars, pay for utilities and provide for their children’s education expenses.
“Thus, we ask the government not only to focus on increasing salaries but also to control prices so people can afford to buy these necessities,” he said.
— BERNAMA