Contract employees in Thailand are demanding that the government treat them fairly, ending what they claim are unfair employment conditions while promoting job security.
The rally, held in Bangkok last week to mark World Day for Decent Work, was joined by three other labor and civil rights groups. Labour groups are urging the government to scrap short-term employment or labor contracts in both the public and private sectors, and to stop the privatisation of state enterprises dealing with energy, transport, banking, and telecommunication.
Contract employees often do not have access to full benefits and job stability. For example, Osot Suwansawet, President of the Government Employee Union of Thailand, explained that as a public health contract employee at Maharaj Hospital in Nakhon Si Thammarat, he does not have access to pensions or layoff compensation, even though he has been earning minimum wage and is a Social Security Fund subscriber.
Contract employees are also paid less than their permanent staff equivalents. For example, Tang, 23, a contract employee at a company in Bangkok, earns about THB 18,000 (USD $487.94) a month, while his permanent staff equivalents are paid over THB 30,000 (USD $813.23).
Contract employees are contributing to Thailand’s economy, but they are not receiving the fair treatment they deserve. The Thai government should take action to address their concerns and ensure that all workers have access to decent working conditions.
