Workers at two flood-hit firms claim unfair treatment

They called on Arthit Isamo, director-general of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, to force their employers to pay them wages and compensation as prescribed by labour laws.

Phatcharee Sricharoen, 28, an engineer representing employees from ISCM Technology (Thailand) Co in Pathum Thani, said the company had told its 500 employees to sign an agreement to relocate to a new factory in Malaysia.

The company would pay those who registered 50 per cent of their full wages and the remaining 50 per cent when they worked in Malaysia, but anyone refusing to sign would not be paid. Fewer than 100 of them signed.

"We don't want to work in Malaysia, but the employers must pay us compensation following the Labour Protection Act," she said.

Chaiyadit Meeluedan said Normerica (Thailand) Co in Ayutthaya laid off him and 60 workers late last month without paying 75 per cent of full wages while its factory halted operations during the flooding and separation compensation. He said the employer claimed the factory was damaged by floods so it could not keep them any more.

However, the factory was not hit hard, as the water was only 10-15 centimetres deep and no heavy machines were flooded, he said.

Arthit said his department had made an appointment for tomorrow with Normerica management and the employees to seek a compromise, while ISCM Technology management would meet with their employees next Thursday.

Teams of 50 officials from the department have been deployed to meet with and help workers in areas that are still inundated or who have been treated unfairly. Anyone needing assistance can call 1546.