JELI’s monthly newsletter is back! Here are the latest updates on our work to support workers and promote labor justice in Thailand:
Campaigns
Official Opening of Workers Union
On 27 February, the JELI team joined the official opening of Workers’ Union and delivered a public speech on behalf of platform workers, demanding equal rights and better working conditions. We also discussed the issues with the draft of the informal workers’ welfare and protection bill. We talked about risks that platform workers have to face everyday, such as, sexual harassment, accidents, expensive gas fee, etc. Every worker is encouraged to join the Workers Union!
Thai NGO law: Democracy in Danger
On January 4, 2022, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that the Cabinet meeting had approved the draft of the “Not-for-Profit Organizations Act,” also known as the NGO law.
The draft has received numerous criticisms and is opposed by civil society as it affects not only NGOs, but also all types of associations in everyday life. For example, the definition of the definition of an NGO is ambiguous and so broad that it could potentially allow for widespread abuse. It is still unclear whether local associations like farmers, student clubs, or just watching Netflix with family also fall under the law.
Any democratic society should recognize the right to assemble as a fundamental right. Thailand’s civil society has always played an active role in determining the country’s laws and policies. The more people participate, the more democratic the country becomes. Civil society should be encouraged, not restricted.
Workshops and Trainings
Collective Bargaining Workshop for Female Platform Labor
In February, the JELI team held two sessions of the online workshop on Collective Bargaining for Platform Female Labor, where we brought together female labor from various fields, like massage workers, cleaning staff, and food delivery riders, to learn about their labor rights, democracy at work, and workplace justice. This month we discussed the topics “know yourself” and “know the group.” Many participants similarly said when they saw problems at work, they became more aware of labor rights and considered the effort to bargain wages with platform companies. This workshop aims to offer the female platform workers ways to demand justice from their work and to encourage their collective ability to form a union.
Job Vacancy
Program Manager
The JELI team is looking for an experienced and strategic Program Manager to coordinate several projects on gig workers research, advocacy, and empowerment.
Position: Program Manager (full-time)
Seniority Level: Mid-level
Salary: 30,000-35,000 THB, based on experience and qualifications (negotiable)
Location: Bangkok
Employee Benefits and Welfare: social security (i.e. section 33) contribution; work-related expenses such as internet, telephone and travel expenses are reimbursed
For further detail, please visit our FB page.