The Thai Ministry of Health has agreed to prioritise pregnant workers for COVID vaccinations thanks to a recent union campaign. The death of a pregnant woman at an aluminium factory, whose baby was delivered by Caesarean section just before she died from Covid, prompted swift and effective action by union members who discussed the situation at a study group under the Rangsit and Area Labour Union Group/UnionAID project.
They knew that another factory with a similar maternal death had allowed all pregnant women, whatever the stage of pregnancy, to stay home on full pay. But when the aluminium factory took no action, these unionists joined with the Labour Network for People’s Rights and took their case to the Minister of Labour (see photo). As a result free vaccinations were arranged for these workers as a priority. The RLUG hopes vaccinations will prevent further deaths of pregnant workers.
