Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakan has taken decisive action, directing ministry officials to address a serious issue involving a Chinese company in Prachin Buri that has failed to pay the wages of over 700 foreign workers for the past two months, according to a spokesman. On Friday, around 700 Myanmar migrant workers staged a protest at the Rojana Industrial Estate over the lack of their daily wages.
Mr. Phiphat has instructed officials from the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, along with various state agencies, to closely follow up on the situation, stated Phumiphat Mueanchan, the Ministry of Labour’s spokesperson. The workers are employed by Chang Cheng Co, which is constructing a three-storey electronics manufacturing plant, funded through an investment by iFound PCP (Thailand) Co Ltd, backed by the Chinese government, according to a source familiar with the project.
Construction began in February and is expected to be completed by March next year, with about 70% of the project already finished. However, an initial investigation by the ministry revealed that worker payments had been delayed since June due to sluggish international money transfers from the parent company in China, according to Mr. Phumiphat.
Despite the non-payment, workers were still required to continue their laborious tasks, an unfair and harsh reality they have faced. In an attempt to mitigate the situation, labour authorities and company representatives collaborated on Saturday to provide each unpaid worker with 500 baht as temporary relief, Mr. Phiphat announced.
The company promised to pay the delayed wages in cash on Wednesday at the construction site. “The protest was conducted lawfully on private property, which made the situation manageable,” remarked Mr. Phumiphat.
Labour inspectors and other state agencies are scheduled to visit the site today to scrutinize documents concerning labour protection and the employment of migrant workers. They aim to develop comprehensive solutions to this pressing matter and ensure the employer adheres to the legal requirements.
I can’t believe it took this long for the government to intervene. What about the workers’ basic rights?
True, but at least the minister is doing something now. Better late than never, right?
Still, these workers suffered for months. Why does it always take a protest to get attention?
Politics, Kevin. It’s all politics. They just want to look good after they mess things up.
I feel for these workers. Imagine working so hard and not getting paid!
So typical of companies to put profit over people’s livelihoods. Shameful!
Agreed, Sandy. It’s disgusting how they can just delay payments and continue their business as usual.
The delay in international money transfers sounds fishy. Are we missing part of the story?
Maybe, but even if that’s the case, proper planning could have prevented this mess.
Why are they using migrant workers in the first place? Shouldn’t there be enough local workers to fill these jobs?
Unfortunately, many locals don’t want to do these types of jobs. Migrant workers fill a necessary gap.
Migrant workers are often willing to work for less, which is why companies prefer them. It’s economics.
Economics or exploitation?
Probably a bit of both, johnny.
It’s a sad reality, but until local wages and job conditions improve, migrant workers will remain essential.
This wouldn’t happen in a country with stronger labor protections. Thailand needs to do better.
Totally, Anna. Labour laws are like the Wild West out here.
I think they are trying to improve, but it takes time. Change won’t happen overnight.
Change might take time, but that doesn’t help the workers suffering now.
Providing 500 baht as temporary relief is practically nothing. How is that supposed to help?
It’s like a band-aid for a bullet wound. Totally pointless.
It’s probably all they could do on such short notice. Not ideal, but better than nothing.
I guess, but it just feels like a token gesture to quiet down the protest.
I wonder if these payment delays are linked to the global semiconductor shortage. Any thoughts?
Interesting point, TechieGirl. The shortage has disrupted many industries. Could be a factor.
Maybe, but it still doesn’t excuse not paying workers on time. Planning and contingency are key.
If the company fails to pay on Wednesday, the workers should strike until they get what they are owed.
This is why unions are so important. Workers need collective bargaining power to protect their rights.
Absolutely, without unions workers are left vulnerable to such abuses of power.
Not sure unions are the perfect solution, but they definitely help in situations like this.
Has anyone wondered what happens to these workers if the company goes bankrupt because they can’t transfer the funds?
Isn’t there any legal consequence for the company? They should be fined heavily for such negligence.
I think the law is too lenient. Mere fines won’t change behavior. Imprisonment of responsible executives might.
Harsh penalties could deter future violations. Companies need to take labor laws seriously.
Agreed, Leslie. If they aren’t held accountable, they will just keep breaking the law.
It’s ironic. These workers help build the factory, but they might not see a single dime from it.
That irony breaks my heart. They deserve so much better.
The world can be incredibly unfair sometimes. It’s up to us to push for changes.