Thai Union Leaders Face Arrest for Protesting Factory Closures

Three Bangkok union leaders are facing arrest for protesting the closure of several clothing factories in Thailand and the Philippines run by subsidiaries of UK-based Triumph International.

Along with some of the 2,000 union workers who were fired at the plants, the three activists led protests at the Thai parliament, asking the prime minister to sign a petition of support and pressure the company to negotiate the terms of the closings with workers.

Refusing to meet, the government attacked protestors instead, using controversial “riot control” weapons emitting sound waves that human rights groups say cause serious damage to sight and hearing.

The workers’ union says Triumph fired about half its workforce without negotiating over the terms of severance, adding another chapter to its record of union-busting and wage theft. Workers at a plant closed in May say they have yet to receive their last paycheck or their full severance.

An online campaign is targeting the Thai government for using police to crack down on union activism and crush freedom of speech and assembly. Demand that the government withdraw the arrest warrants, investigate police brutality, and ensure multinational companies abide by labor laws.

Send letters of protest to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Secretariat of the Prime Minister Office, Thai Government House, Phitsanulok Road, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand, and emails to icgad@thaigov.go.th . Follow the campaign at the Clean Clothes Campaign website.