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Bed and Bath workers shave their head at the Ministry of Labour.
Wednesday, 01 January 2003 14:33
 Bed and Bath workers shave their head at the Ministry of Labour.January 10, 2003 Please find below a report from the site of the ongoing protest at the Ministry of Labor in Bangkok, where Bed and Bath workers have been protesting for months to receive back wages and compensation owed to them. As the pressure on the Thai government intensifies, it's urgent that you take action today to support the workers. A sample letter to the Thai prime minister follows the report -- please e-mail your letter of concern today. For more background on this case please see the website of the Thai Labour Campaign http://www.thailabour.org/
At 18.00 on January 9, seven workers of the Bed and Bath factory started to cut off their hair to protest the failure of the Ministry of Labour (MOL) to enforce their rights. In a moving ceremony that went on for nearly two hours, over 200 colleagues and fellow-protesters filed past the seven workers in a long line, each cutting off a lock of hair.
The workers have been holding a 24-hour picket at the MOL for nearly three months ever since their factory closed unexpectedly at the end of October last year. Their demands are simple: under Thai law they should receive their outstanding wages and compensation (between 1-8 months wages, depending on the number of years worked ).
At the end of November, the MOL made their first offer; back wages of one month only and no compensation. About 400 workers, mainly those who had been at the factory for less than a year and those who are not entitled to compensation, accepted the offer. Over 300 workers turned it down and continued their fight. Today, the MOL increased their offer to two months back wages and two months compensation to those employed for more than 6 years (only one worker), and one month compensation for the rest of the workers. Sympathizers and press had been waiting for hours for the delegation to return from their meeting with the Minister for Labour . Around 5 o'clock after hearing the offer, all workers rejected it and voted to continue their fight. After the shaving, a hunger strike may follow. It is clear that the MOL and the Employers' Association are sensitive to pressure, both at the national and international levels. Otherwise they would never have started making those offers. It is also clear that more pressure is needed: on the MOL, on the buyers and on the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association. The atmosphere at the picket is amazingly strong: workers are here 24 hours per day, cooking meals, playing games, singing labour songs, taking care of their babies (one that was born on the picket), sleeping, organizing protests, and last but not least producing clothes. About one and a half months into the picket workers decided to start their own production line right there and sell T-shirts and blouses under the label "Made In Unity". They are sold to gain income but also to show what the workers want the most: their own factory where they can work under decent conditions. Please join the fight of the Bed and Bath workers. Take some action Today!! Ineke Zeldenrust SAMPLE LETTER TO THAI PRIME MINISTER Fax: (662) 282-8587, 282-8631 Dear Prime Minister Thaksin, This is a call for you to personally intervene in ending the suffering of the Bed and Bath (Prestige) Company workers in Bangkok. Bed and Bath Prestige Co, Ltd. was until very recently a very profitable factory based in Bangkok specializing in the manufacturing of children's apparel for such corporate giants as Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Levi Strauss and others. The company was managed by Mr. Chaiyaphat Photikamjorn with other members of the Photikamjorn family acting as directors and shareholders. In early October when Bed and Bath was suddenly and without explanation shut down. No notice was given and, in violation of the law of Thailand, the workers were not given any compensation. Moreover, the wages that were earned towards the end of the company's existence have not been paid. An arrest warrant has been issued for Mr. Photikamjorn and his principle partner Ms Uayporn Songpornprasert. However, the deadline for apprehending these two people has come and gone and authorities of your government are no closer than they were a month ago to securing the wages and compensation for these poor workers. This is unjust and unacceptable. The workers are only asking for their rights as required under Thai law. Namely, that they be paid their compensation and back wages. Bed and Bath became very wealthy through a systematic mistreatment of these poor workers. There is currently much documented evidence of this. It has been reported that one of the most egregious examples involved forcing the workers drink amphetamine laced water in the workplace and "fining" them if they insisted on drinking some other beverage. This behavior along with the non payment of compensation and back wages is totally illegal. The workers have made it clear that they cannot and will not give up. They will continue to protest PEACEFULLY at the Ministry of Labour until justice is done. As this letter demonstrates, with each day knowledge of and support for the workers of Bed and Bath are growing both in Thailand and internationally. In all of Thailand you Mr. Prime Minister are in the best position to see that justice is done for the workers. This is a call for you to resolve this situation and put an end to these sorts of labour practices that so damage Thailand's reputation in the eyes of the world. Like the workers of Bed and Bath their growing legion of supporters cannot and will not give up. I appeal to you to enforce the legal rights of these workers and do what is just. I urge you and your government to ensure that the Bed and Bath workers receive their compensation and outstanding back wages as prescribed by Thai law. Sincerely, [please insert your name] Please also send letters of concern to the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association: Thai Garment Manufacturers Association For contact information and sample letters to send to Bed & Bath's clients, circulated earlier, please see http://www.cleanclothes.org |
According to one worker, in the Thai culture shaving your head is very significant "your hair is part of the life your parents gave you. If you cut it off, you cut off life itself."
Many actions to support the workers have been taken both locally and internationally. The Bed and Bath buyers targeted include Nike, Reebok, Levi Strauss, and Adidas. Local groups believe this has resulted in strong pressure on the MOL and the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association.Follow CCC:
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