100 Myanmar migrants fired from Thai factory

The workers sent a complaint to the Aid Alliance Committee for Myanmar Workers (AAC) and other organisations for protection of their labour rights as they did not receive wages for 45 days, said AAC head Ye Min.  

"Three or four days ago, the workers from that tuna plant in Mahachai complained to us and other labour-affairs associations because their employer did not pay them for 45 days. Then the employer paid them only 15 days' wages and forced them out of the factory [on July 13] when it was raining," said Ye Min. 

One sacked worker Win Htaik said Cambodians were also working at the factory. 

AAC did not provide the employer's name.

"Myanmar and Cambodian workers did not go to work on Monday as we were not paid regularly. The boss said nothing. We waited until Tuesday. He did not negotiate with us. So we went to the AAC for help. The Cambodian staff accompanied us. The factory did not hold any negotiations. They only made a list. When night fell, we were forced out. We had been working there for years. We go to work on Sundays though were not paid overtime. We did our best," said Win Htaik. 

The workers had to spend the Wednesday night outside the factory before finding shelter at a Buddhist monastery, said Ye Min. 

He said negotiations would be held with the factory owner for compensation. 

This month has seen an increasing number of Myanmar workers dismissed in Thailand with about 1,000 being fired so far, according to AAC.