Trade Unions in Malaya

Abstract

The young trade union movement in Malaya has been subjected to many stresses that have limited its effectiveness either as a political force or as a means of achieving the goals of labor. Communist-dominated up to the time of Communist party armed rebellion against the British colonial and protectorate governments, since 1948 the movement has under British influence been develop ing slowly along liberal lines. A plural society, a lopsided representation in ex isting unions, and poor organization and financing have continued to attenuate the movement, while the growth of a new militant left wing has split it at a time, shortly before Malayan independence, when it needs all the strength it can muster.—Ed.