Under the sweltering sun of July 24, 2024, a sea of determined workers gathered along the iconic Sukhumvit Road, right in front of Thaioil’s Refinery in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province. These workers had reached their limit, driven to protest by the non-payment from the subcontractors of the Unincorporated Joint Venture (UJV) formed by Samsung E&A (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Petrofac South East Asia Pte. Ltd., and Saipem Singapore Pte. Ltd. It was a scene charged with tension and the hope for justice, a chant of solidarity echoing through the streets.
This standoff continued until August 9, 2024, when a pivotal meeting was held at the grand halls of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare. The Ministry of Labour threw its weight behind the workers, represented by the tireless Minister of Labour, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, and other senior figures. At the negotiating table, the powerful trio of UJV-Samsung, Petrofac, and Saipem faced these advocates for fair work conditions and timely payment. As an observant sentinel, Thaioil stood by, monitoring the discussions.
After a rigorous debate, the meeting concluded on a hopeful note. The UJV agreed to pay the long-overdue wages by August 14, 2024, adhering strictly to the decrees of two labor inspectors’ orders (No. 20/2567 and No. 21/2567). The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare took up the mantle to ensure these payments reached the hands of the deserving workers without delay.
True to their word, on the appointed date of August 14, 2024, the workers’ perseverance paid off. Thaioil confirmed that STP Corporation Company Limited (STP) and SCI Siam Corea Industrial Company Limited (SCI) had fulfilled their obligation, dispersing the pending wages. By 18:15 hrs, the once-vocal crowd outside Thaioil’s Refinery had dispersed, a sense of relief replacing the tension that once hung in the air.
Thaioil’s heartfelt gratitude flooded out to the multitude of government bodies involved. Special acknowledgments were directed towards the Minister of Labour, senior management of the Ministry of Labour, the diligent Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, and the proactive Office of Labour Protection and Welfare of Chonburi Province. Their collective efforts not only ensured that the workers received their rightful dues but also restored a sense of normalcy and dignity to their lives.
As the dust settled, the workers returned to their daily routines, their spirits buoyed by this victory. The episode stands as a testament to the power of coordinated effort and the relentless pursuit of justice. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, with unity and determination, fairness and equity can prevail.
So glad the workers finally got their due! It’s a shame it took so long and so much effort though.
Absolutely. But isn’t it crazy that these big companies still try to withhold wages until they’re dragged to the table?
It’s problematic. Companies know workers are vulnerable and use that leverage, which is morally and legally reprehensible.
But let’s not ignore the government’s role here; they really stepped up and mediated effectively.
Indeed. It’s nice to see government bodies actually making a difference for once.
This shows why unions are crucial. Workers need organized support to fight these battles.
True, but in some places, even forming a union gets you in trouble. It’s a mess!
That’s why protecting labor rights is essential. Without legal safeguards, workers are stuck.
Unions can be good, but they can also become corrupt. It’s a double-edged sword.
Corruption can happen anywhere. Doesn’t mean they aren’t necessary.
Thaioil played a passive role. They should have been more proactive!
What else could Thaioil have done? They weren’t the ones withholding wages.
They could’ve put pressure on UJV from the start. Sometimes, passive observation isn’t enough.
This is the reality of labor exploitation. Kudos to those workers for standing their ground.
Why is this even allowed to happen in the first place? Aren’t there laws against wage theft?
Laws exist, but enforcement is lacking. Companies gamble on not getting caught.
It’s about accountability; without it, laws are worthless.
Well, let’s hope this sets a precedent. Workers deserve better.
What about the subcontractors? They need to be blacklisted for this sort of behavior.
The collective effort is inspiring. Shows what can happen when people come together.
But it shouldn’t have to be this hard. Workers shouldn’t have to protest to get paid.
You’re right. In a fair world, this wouldn’t even be newsworthy.
Exactly, it should be the bare minimum to be paid on time for your labor.
I just hope the workers don’t face any retaliation for their protest.
It’s great to see justice being served but we need more sustainable solutions.
What’s next for these workers? Are they protected from future exploitation?
This is inspiring but also highlights the flaws in the system.
Until subcontractors face serious repercussions, such issues will recur.
Agreed. Financial penalties might not be enough. Jail time, maybe?
That’s extreme, but perhaps necessary to make a real change.
How often does this happen? Does anyone know?
More often than you’d think. The construction and manufacturing sectors are rife with these issues.