Things Dire For Workers

The Nation (Thailand), May 1, 2009

Thai Labour Federation of the Petrochemical Industry secretarygeneral Saman Pornprachatham said people working for at least three major tyre manufacturers would rally at the Labour Ministry on May 7. More than 20,000 workers in six tyremanufacturing companies had either been laid off, had their work hours cut or had not been paid their salaries, he said.

Saman said that 160 workers with tyremanufacturer Goodyear had been laid off despite the firm's executives previously agreeing to notify the labour union in advance. Workers at Siam Michelin in Samut Prakan's Samrong Tai area had also suffered a 13 per cent salary cut, while those working for Michelin in Rayong's Laem Chabang area had overdue payments, he said, adding working hours at both factories had also been cut.

"What concerns us the most is that the employers might use this as an opportunity to sack workers, especially those working for unions and joining the rally this time," he said, adding that Labour Ministry officials were not taking their problems seriously. They only sent officials to inspect the premises and wait until the problems faded away, he said.