Respect rights of domestic workers: govt

Employers are reminded by the Labour Ministry that among other things, home workers are entitled to a break every eight days and 98 weeks of pregnancy left.

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said monday the government was conscious of the “importance of casual workers”– the largest employer class at 20 million members, a driving force in Thailand’s economy.

The government, so, looked to increase convenience to simple work rights, social security principles and workplace safety, mainly for local workers, he said.

In consequence, he claimed, the government approved a plan to expand benefits cover on Monday and made it public on Tuesday.

Local workers ‘ normal working hours may not reach eight per day and include a minimum one-hour break, according to new rules.

The right to monthly keep must be granted, along with 98 days of paid maternity leave and 45 days of personal leave.

Organisations are prohibited from forbidding female employees from working overtime or between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Additionally, dismissal of employment as a result of pregnancy is prohibited.

In addition, companies may inform the authorities when employing adolescents. Additionally, juveniles have access to 30 paid days of training.

Deducting salary during holidays is prohibited, Mr Phiphat said, adding that people may be paid the minimum wage or higher.

Local workers include cleansers, drivers, cooks and carers, he said.