On August 19, 2021, members of the Labour Network for People Rights and representatives of workers’ families affected by COVID-19, a network that brings together workers from many provinces and business sectors from Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani, met with Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin, as a supervisor on policies regarding worker’s quality of life. The network was led by Ms. Sriprai Nonsi, representative of the labour unions in Rangsit and nearby areas, Ms. Thanaporn Wichan, Coordinator of the Labour Network for People Rights, Khun Jaded Chaowilai from the Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation and included representatives from the network in Samut Prakan, Saraburi, Rangsit, and Pathum Thani, totaling ten people. The members met to submit a letter to request the following: 1) To encourage companies to proactively screen workers to continuously screen for infected workers. 2) Have measures in place for companies to provide a facility for workers to isolate and be treated (community isolation) either on the company grounds or by coordinating the community to provide a facility. 3) To have measures to care for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women workers by arranging a new workplace suitable for pregnant women to be safe. 4) To urgently source vaccines for workers, and 5) Have clear measures to remedy existing employees, and providing additional remedies following government measures, to vulnerable workers, pregnant women workers, and families of workers who have died from COVID-19.
Mr. Suchart said that for such claims, the Ministry of Labour has already taken action in proactive COVID-19 screening in establishments, encouraging establishments to implement the Factory Sandbox project, providing COVID-19 vaccinations for insured persons, and remedies for workers affected by COVID-19. As for the measures to take care of vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women workers, by arranging a new workplace suitable for pregnant women to be safe, he has assigned the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare to expedite the draft ministry announcement as soon as possible, and to speed up awareness, asking for companies with pregnant women workers to work from home with full pay, to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Ms. Sriprai Nonsi, representative of the labour unions in Rangsit and nearby areas, thanked the Labour Minister for acknowledging the matter and for informing them immediately that a ministry announcement will be issued to separate pregnant people from areas at risk of COVID-19, to be able to work at home and receive full wages. Members who joined the occasion today felt relieved that at least the matter was taken care of and action was taken immediately so that labour networks will be safe and have a good quality of life from the various government measures taking care of them.
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Division of Public Relations
20 August 2021
