The Labour Minister presided over the commencement ceremony for the seminar on “Quality Work and Development for Informal Workers”, where he emphasized the importance that the government has given to resolve issues among informal workers, as they are a key driver in the nation’s economy. The Ministry of Labour is prepared to work with all sectors to continue policies to improve the quality of life for informal workers.
On October 8, 2018, at 06.30 hours, Labour Minister H.E. Police General Adul Sangsingkeo presided over the commencement ceremony for the seminar on “Quality Work and Development for Informal Workers” with The Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand, Mr. Pirkka Tapiola. Participants included the Ministry of Labour’s Executives, the Chairman of Foundation for Labour and Employment Promotion, representatives from the International Labour Organization, representatives from the International Organization for Migration, President of the Informal Workers’ Union, academics, the social sector and over 165 informal worker representatives. The event took place at the Cooperative League of Thailand, Pichai Road, Dusit, Bangkok.
Pol.Gen. Adul explained that the government under leadership of Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha, has given great importance to informal workers. This is evident from policies that give priority to the care and resolution of informal workers’ problems, whether it is the establishment of a new Department for Protection of Informal Workers within the Ministry of Labour to care for informal workers directly, and a five-year strategic plan for informal workers’ management. This is because the government recognizes that all informal worker groups, such as home-based workers, hawkers, taxi drivers, motorcycle taxi driver, home workers and workers within the agricultural sector, are all key in driving the national economy. However, due to the diversity of the informal sector which has over 24 million people, there are certain obstacles to professional development, whereby the Ministry of Labour has given its best efforts to resolve this and will continue until all informal workers are living a good quality of life, earn sufficient income for living and receive basic rights, which in order to happen, will require the cooperation of many parties.
“Today’s seminar is of great importance because it is an opportunity for all stakeholders to consult and discuss different issues relevant to the work of informal workers. It is a chance to campaign for all groups of informal workers and relevant parties to work together to improve laws, policies, measures and guidelines which will improve the quality of life for informal workers,” concluded the Labour Minister.
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Division of Public Relations
News by Daonapa Naorangsee
Photos by Somphop Silbut
8 October 2018
