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Published on January 18, 2008

Somkid Duang-ngern, president of the off-system workers' network, and 20 members submitted their appeal to ministry chief Juthathawat Inthornsuk.

They urged the ministry to protect and improve their quality of life because casual workers - such as those working at home, hired hands and freelancers - are not recognised by labour laws, and are unable to enjoy the same benefits as their registered counterparts.

Some 22 million casual labourers scattered all over Thailand can be divided into three groups - the agricultural, production and service sectors - Somkid said. In order to have greater bargaining power for labour benefits, they have formed into five regional groups: North, Central, Northeast, South and Bangkok Metropolitan.

Having virtually zero welfare, casual workers have lower pay - when compared to the legally registered workers despite the same-level of skills - and are burdened with water and electricity bills when they work from home, Somkid said.

Hired hands in the agriculture sector also suffer from advantage-taking employers, unfair work contracts and dangerous chemicals, he added.

The network should also be allowed to participate in the May 1 National Labour Day celebration and activities with legally registered workers, as it would be an opportunity to branch out and raise public awareness of the group's existence, status and value to the country's economy, Somkid said.

Juthathawat told the group the ministry had not abandoned them and was working on the Work Safety Institute draft legislation and many protection measures for them.

The Nation