The M.H.A.C Alliance has successfully helped 37 Myanmar workers recover more than 220,000 baht in wages after they were unfairly dismissed from a factory in Thailand’s Chonburi Province. The resolution came on September 10th when the factory management agreed to negotiate and subsequently paid the workers their due compensation. The case emerged after the workers were terminated without prior notice, with the factory claiming their documentation was incomplete despite having proper paperwork.
The affected workers reached out to the M.H.A.C Alliance for assistance, leading to a coordinated effort between the National Unity Government’s (NUG) Ministry of Labor and M.H.A.C to address the situation through proper channels at the local labor office. The successful resolution of this case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand and the importance of organized support systems in protecting their rights.
According to AAC Ko Ye Ming from the M.H.A.C Alliance, such incidents are becoming increasingly common due to Thailand’s economic conditions, which have led some factories to face financial difficulties. He explained that a concerning pattern has emerged where factory administrators collaborate with brokers to collect smart card fees and hire workers on an as-needed basis, dismissing them when demand decreases. Some factories have been found to terminate workers without valid reasons, only to hire new workers and collect additional smart card fees, creating a cycle of exploitation.
The M.H.A.C Alliance reported receiving approximately 50 similar cases in August alone and continues to provide assistance throughout Thailand’s central provinces. They advise workers facing similar situations to maintain unity and follow proper procedures for addressing grievances. This includes first attempting direct communication with factory managers and owners, then proceeding with collective demands if necessary. If these initial steps prove unsuccessful, workers are encouraged to connect with labor organizations and file formal complaints with Thai labor protection offices. The alliance emphasizes the importance of workers understanding their rights and the proper channels for seeking assistance when those rights are violated.
