Repositioning trade unions in Malaysia: Sustaining industrial action in the era of Gig work and labour precarity

Abstract

The study tends to focus on understanding the changing function of trade unions in terms of organizing and sustaining industrial actions in the face of expanding globalization, growing precarity, and evolving labor market arrangements. They continue to be vital actors in the organising and mobilization of workers to fight against unjust employment practices, assert rights to fair salaries, and demand acceptable working conditions. Findings suggest that unions should profit a great deal from leveraging digital media to increase communication and engagement with members and campaigning. Moreover, unions must adapt to represent gig and freelance workers, frequently excluded from traditional protections, by creating alliances and advocating for legal reforms to broaden collective bargaining rights to non-traditional workers. Strengthening internal governance is another major reason, providing openness, accountability, and responsiveness to changing worker demands. These strategies are crucial for retaining union relevance, garnering public support, and handling growing difficulties in labor relations. Ultimately, the study indicates that trade unions must adapt and change to be successful agents for social justice and equitable working conditions.