Update: Triumph International Union Leader Must Wait for Retrial of Freedom of Expression CaseTriumph International Fails to Credibly Address the Violation of Basic Human Rights at its Thai Subsidiary

From July 30 to September 13 more than 2,000 workers were on strike to demand reinstatement of their union president, Ms. Jitra Kotshadej, at the Thai subsidiary of underwear giant Triumph International. Ms. Kotshadej was dismissed on July 29 in relation to her appearance during her private time in a national television debate wearing a t-shirt with the text 'Those who do not stand are not criminals. Thinking differently is not a crime.' The t-shirt refers to the right of people not to stand when the royal anthem is played and the abuse of lèse-majesté legislation to suppress political opposition.

Thousands of labour activists and consumers joined the workers in their 45-day fight for justice and called on Triumph International to reinstate the union president.In an agreement to end the strike, Triumph International insisted on letting the Thai courts decide the case instead of reinstating Ms. Kotshadej.The union members, fearing for their jobs and under extreme pressure because of the lack of financial resources, felt they had no other option than to sign the agreement.The company promised to take the workers back without taking disciplinary action and offered the workers a compensation of 5.200 Baht (equivalent to 15 days wage for a production worker).Triumph International also guaranteed the strict implementation of its Code of Conduct at Body Fashion Thailand.

On September 23 the labour court agreed to Ms. Kotshadej's petition to retry the case of her dismissal.The court had previously granted the company permission to dismiss her, but the company did not inform her of the court proceedings until the day they fired her.She will have to wait another two months for her first chance to defend herself before the court.The company refused to allow Ms. Kotshadej to return to her job while she awaits the retrial on November 17.The Clean Clothes Campaign remains concerned about the company's commitment to uphold its Code of Conduct, which explicitly includes freedom of expression and freedom of association.

From September 23 to October 3, Miss Wanphen Wongsombat of the Triumph International Thailand Labour Union and Miss Premjai Jaikla of the Thai Labour Campaign will be touring Europe. They will visit five European countries to press Triumph International to ensure compliance with its Code of Conduct, international labour standards and basic human rights.

For more information about their visit: PRESS RELEASE: Triumph International Union Leader and Thai Labour Activist to Tour Europe to Press for Workers' Rights