Unfair Labour Practices at Triumph International
A Petition against Body Fashion (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Stop Human Rights Violation, Stop Deteriorating Unionization
On 30 July 2008, Body Fashion (Thailand) Ltd., located at 393 Moo 17 2nd Floor Bangplee Industrial Estate Bang Saothong, SamutPrakan, Thailand 10540, which produces underwear and swimwear with brand names such as Triumph, Valencia, Slocky, AMO, among others, has fired Ms. Chittra Kotchadet, Chairperson of the Triumph International Labour Union.
Tarnishing corporate image
The company blames her for tarnishing corporate image referring to her wearing of a T-shirt bearing the slogan "Those do not stand are not criminals. Thinking differently is not a crime." during a TV debate in which the union leader was invited as a guest speaker.
The T-Shirt and the slogan were part of the campaign against attempts to use lese majeste law for political persecution.
3000 workers strike to demand reinstatement of union leader
On 24 June 2008, the company unilaterally brought the case to the Central Labour Court asking from the court permission to lay her off without having any prior consultation with the worker.
Thus, more than 3,000 workers who are members of the Union decided to call a strike to demand the company to unconditionally reinstate Ms. Chittra.
Yet, their voices have fallen on deaf ears. The company simply asks for the court's permission to sanction 20 more workers and suspect the work of 25 leaders for two weeks during which their wage payments shall also be frozen. Such an action is tantamount to a threat to scare workers forcing them to not co-operate with union.
Company asks for 100 cops to surround factory workers picketing
It was also reported that on 1 August, the company asked for the deployment of over 100 police officers around the factory where the workers were holding a picket.
Such an act is a blatant breach of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Thailand is a signatory, and which Company looking to attack union rights
The company's action cannot be deemed otherwise, but an attempt to deteriorate unionization by capitalizing on the current political havocs and using it as a pretext to sack the Union's leader who has been elected by workers to protect their due interests.
The layoff order has been issued with no prior consultation with the Union and the whole legal process has been carried out with no respect for the right to freedom of expression which is enshrined as an indispensible part of a democracy.
<
p>Such a right is also protected under the Constitution, and international human rights standards with which the company as a foreign entity operating in Thailand has to comply.
End the violation of human rights
We, the undersigned, have shown our firm commitment toward the upholding of human rights and respect of freedom of expression, and would like to make the following demands;
- 1.The company shall stop violating human rights, respect expression of different opinions, and stop using nascent political and social havocs as a pretext to weaken unionization. Respect of freedom of expression as an intrinsic value in a democracy and international human rights obligations must be restored.
- 2.The company shall unconditionally reinstate the Union's leader, Ms. Chittra Kotchadet and shall stop persecuting the Union. In addition, both civil and criminal actions wrongfully waged against committee members of the Union and its members have to be all at once brought to a halt.
Protect the integrity of the union
May the Triumph International Labour Union succeed in protecting the integrity of the Union.
Sukanta sukpaita, President of Rangsit Area Trade Union Committee Sripai Nonsee, Rangsit Area Trade Union Committee Bunyuen Sukmai, Secretary of the Eastern Region Trade Union Group Udomlak Wawngarm, Eastern Region Trade Union Group Pairin Pongjarung, YCW, Thailand Bancha Tontum, President of the Ceramics Trade Union Parat Na nakorn, Asia Paific Worker Solidarity links (APWSL) Sit Juntarates, President of Bangkok Steel Workers Union Promma Poompan, President Textile Workers Federation Sia Champatong, Secretary Textile Workers Federation Sitipong Taweesuk, Secretary Sunkosay Trade Union Suntaree Hutee Sa-King, Secretary N.G.O. Coordinating Committee Junya Yimprasert, The Chief-Co-ordinator of Thai Labour Campaign Jaruwat Keyunvan, Thai Labour Campaign Numnula Yapparat, Thai Labour Campaign Somboon Sikamdockare, President Occupational Health Group Vipar Daomanee, Lecturer of Thammasart University Kasian Dejapira, Lecturer Faculty of Political Science, Thammsart University Sriprapa Petmeesri, Human Rights Lecturer, Mahidol University Giles Ji Ungpakorn, Lecturer Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University Tanapol Ewsakul , The editor of Same Sky Books Jeeranut Premchaiporn, AIDS activist SongKarn Pongbunjun Young Human Rights Lawyers' Network Yaowaluk Anupan, Human Rights Law Office Kengkij Kitirianlarp, Spark Ubonpan krajarngpo, Spark Rajapong Ochapong, Spark Adison Kerdmongkol, Human Rights Activist Pokpong Lawansiri, Human Rights Activist Kan Yuenyong MA student Thammasat University Jesada Choktipivat, The Democracy for Welfare State Group Pipop Udomistipong, Translator Busyarat Kanjanadit Peaceway Foundation Archaporn Nimitkulporn, Human Rights Activist Surapong Kongjuntuk, Chief-Co-ordinator of Karen Studies and Development Center Ponglert Pongwanan Metha Matkhao, YPD/CCHR Juralak Bunmak Student of Political Science Faculty, Thammasart University Pathcharee Sea-Eaew, Student of Thammasart University Prannom Somvong, Migrant Workers Activist Tawarit Maneechay, Public Seminar Group, Nida University Kwanravee Wangudom, Human Rights Activist Wittaya Arporn ,Walailak University Nattavut Eangtong, Student of Political Science Faculty,Thammasart University Atit Suriyawongsakul, Freedom from Censorship Group Saranee Achwanuntakul Sombat Boon-Ngarmanong, Krachok Ngaw Foundation Sirilak SriprasitÁ Local Talk Project Sirote Klampaiboon, Graduate Student University of Hawii Worapat Wirapatnakoop, Human Rights Activist Timo Ojanen, Graduate Student Assumption University Darunee Paisarnpanichkul, Stateless People's Watch Uchain Chiangsa, Masters Student of Political Science Faculty,Thammasart University Napak Serirak Chaiyan Chaiyaporn, Lecturer Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University Chartree Somnuk, Pilot, Thai International Abdula Hayiarbu, Southern Provinces Human Rights Activist Kanchit Patanpoka, Peoples Coalition Party Witaya Intawan, Secretary Paper and Printing Union Federation Ekarin Tuansiri, Youth Network for Peace in the 3 Southern Provinces Porntip Munkong, Student, Ramkamheang University Sutanachai Ungrangsi, Student Thammasart University Premwadee Suwansai, Student Thammasart University Tuwadaneeya Tuwamanga, President Student Network to Protect the People Romsi Doko, Secretary Southern Provinces Student Federation Chairat Chinbut, Peoples Coalition Party Sarawut Pratumraj, Human Rights Activist Chainarin Kularpum, Radio Unlimited Group Sangtawan Ngarmgalong, Youth Worker Sulak Lumubon, Student, Chulalongkorn University Sitiporn Jordon, Nation Channel Peyabut Lorkrailert, Writer Etc..
Read More
http://www.thailabour.org/tlc08en
http://www.prachatai.com/english/news.php?id=725