Workers demand action on job losses,rights

Led by the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC), 500 workers gathered in front of Government House for many hours yesterday, demanding the government take urgent action on labour problems such as job termination.

They dispersed peacefully after officials met with them and promised to look into their demands.

PM's Deputy Secretary General Panitan Wattanayagorn said the government would get back to them before the end of this month.

"Some employers have taken advantage of the economic doldrums in exploiting their workers," TLSC secretary-general Wilaiwan Saetia said.

She said the government should ensure that unfairly dismissed workers be reinstated or get proper severance pay.

TLSC also urged the setting up of a national committee to take charge of economic problems and workers' rights. "This committee should encourage workers' participation. It must work towards the end of cheap labour and unfair termination of employment," Wilaiwan said.

She added that the government should also revoke the arrest warrants for three protest leaders - Suntorn Boonyod, Boonrod Saiwong and Jittra Kotchadej.

They were charged with illegal gathering after leading Triumph Thailand workers to Government House and Parliament House on August 27.

The Human Rights Lawyers Association, meanwhile, said yesterday the issuance of arrest warrants was not legitimate. "The workers' protest is peaceful and unarmed," the statement read.

It said the right to assemble and air one's opinion was enshrined in the constitution.

"The Criminal Code, invoked for the issuance of arrest warrants, cannot override the constitution," the association added, urging Dusit Police Station to cancel the arrest warrants.

It also urged the National Police Office to determine how police long-range acoustic devices - which were turned on to disperse the workers on August 27 - could affect workers' health.

"The government should ban the use of such devices against protesters," the association added.

"We have prepared tissue paper to plug our ears in case we hear that disturbing noise again," a worker leader from Triumph Thailand said.

The devices were not turned on yesterday.