M.P. Anusee visits Chachoengsao to monitor labour impacts from the Covid-19 situation, as business operators and workers discussed local economic signals after the Covid-19 crisis.
On August 21, 2020, Spokesperson for the Labour Commission Ms. Anusee Tubsuwan, as chairperson of the subcommittee on policy and legal studies, the House of Representatives, and committee, visited Chachoengsao province to understand how the labour situation was affected by Covid-19. Deputy Provincial Governor Sarawut Kaewkulpricha gave a welcoming, together with agencies under the Ministry of Labour. A briefing was delivered on how to help and remedy those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. From the data, it was found that Chachoengsao had 21 cases of Covid-19 infections; 20 have been cured and one deceased. The province has clear guidelines for preventing infection with respect to migrant workers. Health Volunteers were appointed in companies that hire foreign workers, to communicate and disseminate knowledge on the prevention of Covid-19, with a total of 181 volunteers. A total of 243 establishments suspended business under Section 75, amounting to 68,922 employees. The employees received legal compensation of no less than 75 percent of their wages. Four organizations reduced their workforce and 1 company shut down. For unemployment remedies due to force majeure, 8,761 people have been paid, totaling 234,698,736.95 Baht, and in the case of normal unemployment, payment amounted to 46,572 Baht to reach a total of 298,983,947.50 Baht. A total of 6,705 insured persons registered as unemployed; 2,197 have found jobs ready. From the organization of the labour meeting activity, there were 529 applications whereby 392 people have found jobs. Under the employment program for people affected by Covid-19, 11 people were hired for 45 days, for 300 Baht per day. In addition, there was also career training for 256 affected people. For home workers, there is a loan limit not exceeding 300,000 Baht/group, with a reduction in the loan interest rate and usage fee to 0 percent.
In the afternoon, the committee visited Pioneer Industrial Co., Ltd. at Ruangwa Industrial Center, Chachoengsao, which produces plastic household appliances, office supplies, and furniture. The company hires both Thai and foreign workers, employing a total of 859 people, comprising 464 Thais, and 395 Cambodian workers. The company takes great care to prevent Covid-19 infections and had training with the Provincial Health Office of Chachoengsao. It also appointed 10 health volunteers for the purpose of disseminating knowledge and to follow up information about Covid-19 among colleagues of migrant workers within the company. The company has taken various measures for prevention. Starting with before workers enter the factory, there are sinks, spray booths, signs on how to use masks, and social distancing. Although the company faced issues with orders from the Covid-19 situation, the company did not choose close or suspend business according to Section 75. Instead, they used a combination of methods to reduce costs within the company and agreed to set a common basis for salary reduction in order not to allow any employee to be terminated by the company during this situation.
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Division of Public Relations
22 August 2020
