Workers benefit from representation on Thai security board

Bringing younger workers into senior positions under the UnionAID partnership with the Rangsit and Area Labour Union Group (RLUG) has paid dividends for workers. Confidence gained through this project saw the ex-President of the RLUG, Thanaphong (Est) Chuameangphan, elected last year at the age of 43 as one of seven worker representatives on Thailand’s Social Security Board.

This worker representation has prompted major social change, including a welcome increase in redundancy compensation (from 50% of previous salary to 60% for the six months after job loss and an increase in the child benefit payment from 800 Baht to 1000 Baht a month (NZ$30 to $50). Social security has now been extended from Thai to migrant workers enrolled with Social Security to pay for pregnancy terminations. These major achievements for workers are a source of pride for Sriprai, Est and the RLUG.