Labour Congress Call for fair treatment of workers

The Labour Congress of Thailand called on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday to implement nine measures to help workers through the economic slowdown.

Banjong Boonrat, who heads the Labour Congress, led about 100 workers to Government House to hand over their written plea.

"The political turmoil during the past several months has hurt Thailand's economy badly," Banyong said.

Airport closures by People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters seriously damaged the country's image and scared foreign visitors and investors away, he said.

Various agencies estimated the airport closures caused damage to the tune of Bt70100 billion.

"After we have brainstormed ideas from various labour organisations, we have come up with a plan to help people through this difficult time," Banyong said.

The plan entails nine measures. If implemented, it would help prevent layoffs and conflict, he said.

The first measure was to set up a working panel to monitor entrepreneurs with financial problems, with representatives from employers, employees and relevant authorities.

"Secondly, the government should prepare sources of finance for employers suffering cashflow problems," Banjong said. "Third, the government must ensure that the Labour Protection Act's Article 75 is not be invoked unfairly."

The Article 75 stipulates that employees are forced to refrain from work temporarily, that employers must pay them an amount equivalent to 75 per cent of their wage.

"If any employer needs to invoke Article 75 or introduce layoff programs, they should seek prior approval from the working panel established under the measure 1," he said.

Other measures include government spending on megaprojects, which would create many jobs, and a system that would allow unemployed people to find new jobs more quickly.

"The Labour Ministry should have accurate information on vacancies, unemployed people and enterprises with financial problems."

He said the government should also educate the public about labour laws via TV, radio and newspapers.

The Labour Congress also urged the government to extend a project launched by the Samak Sundaravej administration this year to provide free trains, buses, electricity and tapwater for poor people. That should be extended for a year, he said.

The Samak government introduced the project at a time when fuel prices soared. Free electricity and water was available to households that had little consumption only.