Bed and Bath workers shave their head at the Ministry of Labour.

At 18.00 on January 9, seven workers of the Bed and Bath factory started to cut of their hair to protest the failure of the Ministry of Labour to give them their right.

In a moving ceremony that went on for nearly 2 hours over 200 colleagues and fellow - protesters passed behind the seventh in a long line, each cutting off a loch of hair.

According to one worker, in the Thai culture shaving your head is very significant "your hair is part of the life your parents gave you. If you cut it off, you cut off life itself".

The workers have been at the 24-hour picket at the MOL for nearly 3 months ever since their factory closed unexpectedly end of October last year. Their demands are simple: under Thai law they should receive their outstanding wages, compensation (depending on hte years worked between 1-8 months).

Many actions were undertaken locally and internationally. The buyers targeted include Nike, Reebok, Levi's, and Adidas. Local groups believe this has resulted in strong pressure on the MOL and the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association.

At the end of November, the MOL made a first offer; back wages of one month only and no compensation. About 400 workers, mainly those who had been at the factory less than a year and those are not entitled to compensation, took up the offer.

Over 300 workers turned it down and continued their fight. Today, the MOL increased their offer to two months back wages and two months compensation to those employed more than 6 years( one workers only), and one month compensation for the rest of the workers. Sympathizers and press had been waiting for hours for the delegation to return from meeting with the Minister for Labour which has been on since 16.30. Around 5 o'clock after hearing the offer, all workers rejected and voted to continue their fight.

After the shaving, a hunger strike may follow.

It is clear that the MOL and the Employers' association are sensitive to pressure, both from the national and international sides. Otherwise they would never have started making those offers. It is also clear that more pressure is needed: on the MOL, on the buyers and on the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association.

The atmosphere at the picket is amazingly strong: workers are here 24 hours per day, cooking meals, playing games, singing labour songs, taking care of their babies that was born on the picket, sleeping, organizing protests and last but not least producing clothes.

About one and a half month in the picket workers decided to start their own production line right there and sell T-shirts and blouses under the label "Made In Unity". They are sold to gain income but also to show what the workers want the most: their own factory where they can work under decent working conditions.

Let's join the fight of the Bed and Bath workers. Take some action Today!!

Ineke Zeldenrust
Clean Clothes Campaign
Report made on site of the picket