‘Give migrant workers full benefits’

EFFORTS to improve labour laws for migrant workers must pave way for them to enjoy the full benefits of social security schemes like Thais, a seminar was told yesterday.

Chanikarn Phumhiran
The Nation November 21, 2014 1:00 am

EFFORTS to improve labour laws for migrant workers must pave way for them to enjoy the full benefits of social security schemes like Thais, a seminar was told yesterday.

“All workers in the country should get the same standard of treatment,” Sunee Chairos from the Law Reform Commission said.

Held by the National Human Rights Commission’s subcommittee on migrant workers and its allies, this academic seminar addressed how Thailand should move ahead in regard to the status of foreign workers.

Millions of Myanmar, Laotian and Cambodian workers work in Thailand.

Samut Sakhon Chamber of Commerce vice president Nan Orprasert said migrant workers were unable to enjoy various benefits of social-security schemes because of outdated Thai laws.

Thai Labour Solidarity Committee vice president Wilaiwan sae Tia said her committee h ad been pushing for a better version of social-security laws so that the scheme is more comprehensive – and fairer.

“Workers, Thais or foreign, should get fair remuneration and legal protection,” she emphasised.

She also insisted that members of |the social security fund should have their say on who sit on the Social Security Office board, which manages the massive fund.

Labour Ministry deputy permanent secretary Arrug Phrommanee said in addition to the principle of fairness and quality, his ministry had to focus on national security also when handling foreign workers’ affairs.

He explained that current security laws had been designed in a way that Thais would still get job opportunities amid the inflow of foreign workers.

National Human Rights Commission president Amara Pongsapich believed that after the Asean Community fully materialises with a free flow of labour across 10 Asean nations, all workers should be considered Asean workers.

“So, all Asean nations should ensure that all Asean workers get the same social security benefits,” she said.

SOURCE www.nationmultimedia.com