Labour Groups Unite for May Day Demands
Key Worker Protections Sought in Thailand
On May Day 2025, a coalition of Thai labour organizations rallied to present a series of demands aimed at improving worker welfare. The groups highlighted nine critical requests, focusing on enhanced financial security and workplace fairness, as they sought to address ongoing challenges faced by employees across various industries.
Call for Risk Insurance Fund
Safeguarding Workers Against Unfair Dismissals
A primary demand is the establishment of a risk insurance fund to protect workers from sudden job loss and unpaid severance. Labour leaders emphasized that such a fund, funded by employer contributions, would act as a safety net, ensuring employees receive due compensation if businesses close unexpectedly, addressing past incidents where workers were left unpaid.
Push for Overtime Pay Equality
Fair Wages for Monthly Salaried Employees
The labour coalition is advocating for amendments to existing regulations to ensure monthly salaried workers receive overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular wage, matching the rate for daily-wage earners. This change, already under review by authorities, aims to create equitable compensation structures and address disparities in pay practices.
Broader Worker Rights and Benefits
Demanding Collective Bargaining and Social Security
Additional demands include securing freedom of association, stronger collective bargaining rights, and tax exemptions on severance payments up to a specified limit. Labour groups also called for state enterprise workers to be included in the social security system and for a minimum pension to support retirees, emphasizing long-term financial stability.
Ensuring Workplace Safety and Oversight
Stronger Enforcement of Labour Protections
The coalition urged stricter enforcement of labour laws and heightened workplace safety standards. They proposed forming a dedicated task force to monitor government progress on these demands, ensuring accountability and tangible improvements in working conditions for Thailand’s labour force.
