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29 October, 2026Malaysian workers picketed paper company Best Eternity Recycling Technology (BERT) in Banting, Selangor, on 28 October, demanding a fair collective agreement. Around 80 union members and supporters joined the action, as negotiations drag on without a settlement.
The Paper and Paper Products Manufacturing Employees’ Union (PPPMEU), an IndustriALL affiliate, secured majority support among BERT workers through a secret ballot in July 2025 and submitted its collective agreement proposals to the company in January 2026. Despite nine rounds of negotiations, key demands put forward by the union remain unresolved.
According to PPPMEU general secretary Baharudin bin Baihakhi, the union’s proposals focus on improving workers’ wages and benefits. These include salary increases, allowances, incentives, bonuses and a clear effective date for the collective agreement.
“Our members drive production and generate the company’s profits. They deserve a fair share of the value they create,” said Baharudin bin Baihakhi.
The union is pushing for a meaningful collective agreement that delivers fair wages, proper benefits and decent working conditions and raises living standards for BERT workers.
The IndustriALL Malaysia Council also expressed solidarity with the workers.
IndustriALL regional secretary for South East Asia Ramon Certeza said:
“IndustriALL stands with PPPMEU and BERT workers in their fight for a fair collective agreement. We urge the company to bargain in good faith and settle without further delay.”
BERT is a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited, one of the largest paper manufacturers in the world.