Laid off workers block road in Samut Prakarn

Stunned to find an employment revocation sign at a Thai Silp Southeast Asia Import Export Co Ltd's factory posted at about 2am, the workers stated a mass protest and blocked the road and demanded that the owner settle the matter directly with them.

They also urged the Labour Ministry to intervene in the matter and assist them with their demands, which include finding new employment, financial assistance during this period of uncertainty and financial compensation for the abrupt termination to their employment.

The group threatened to join forces with other garment workers in the area to hold mass protest at the ministry.

Provincial Labour Protection and Welfare official Sakda Chettacharoenniran said he has yet to locate the whereabouts of the factory owner.

He suggested that progress could come about if the workers identify their representatives to negotiate on their behalf and the owner comes forward.

He said the Labour Protection and Welfare Department would allocate some money from the Bt200 million Employee Welfare Fund to assist the workers for the first 12 months, but they must apply for this assistance.

The process of which took about 90 days. He also suggested that factories in the province might be closed down due to the stronger Thai Baht currency, which affecting the exporting business sector.