Bed & Bath Co. workers demand the government to press for wages and compensation in case of factory closure

Over 800 workers of Bed & Bath Company that produce for Nike, Levi's Reebok, Adidas, Harley Davison, and many universities and sport team in USA entered the office of the Ministry of Labour on October 10th since their employer closed down the factory without advanced notice. The Ministry had set-up a negotiation between representatives of the employer and employee on October 11. The agreement was that all workers would be back to work on Oct. 21st and that the arrears of wages would be paid to everyone. Still, on that day, the company closed the factory with no payment. The workers reported to the police and the parliament house to demand for justice.

First time to sleep in front of the Ministry of Labour
On October 10, 2002, over 800 workers stayed in front of the Ministry of Labour to demand for their rights. These workers are from the Bed & Bath Prestige (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Samutprakarn Province which is owned and managed by Mr.Chaiyapat Photikamjorn. The company produces for many brand name products such as Nike, Adidas, Levi's and Reebok. It orders every workers to hang the pocket size laminated Code of Conduct of Nike on their neck while working. They have faced serious problems after the employer closed down the factory without announcing in advance. On October 7, the employer ordered the security guard to block workers from entering the factory. Thus, the employees made a complaint to the office of welfare and labour protection in Prapradaeng District. The officers negotiated until the factory was opened and workers worked as usual.

The employer again closed down the factory on October 10. No one can enter the factory, even the labour officers, the employer's lawyer or the workers. Surprisingly, bank officers and many suppliers were seen inside the factory. They were selecting and making a claim on several machines and appliances inside factory. The administrative and accounting department employees moved all of their stuff out. The workers believed that the employer would surely closed down the company. They decided to complain to the Ministry of Labour asking for justice and legal rights i.e. compensation, arrears of wage and overtime payment.

On October 11, the ministry set-up a negotiation between both parties and signed an agreement that the employer would pay the arrears of wages and open the factory to operate again on 21 October.

Employer told a lie
On October 21, 2002, over 800 workers came with hope. But in front of the factory was an announcement - 'Employees who would like to contact the company, please wait outside until the lawyer come. Thank you.' The workers waited until 8.15 a.m. (the time to begin work). Neither the employer nor the lawyer came. Only the labour officers from Samutprakarn Province came and told the workers to write on a social security form for the money to be given by the government. The workers were very unsatisfied with not having information from the management. The officers said that they could not get in touch with the management and their lawyer because their mobile phones were switched off.

Subcontractors and workers notify the police in Prapadaeng
At 12.30 a.m., the workers had walked for over three kilometers under the heat of the sun to Prapadaeng Police station to report. Then, over 10 subcontractors came to the police station to report the case as well. One subcontractor buttoning said that the company has more than 50 subcontractors. The company has to pay him over 500,000 baht and was promised that he will be paid on October 14. He could not get in touch with the company. All subcontractors thought that the company is not losing money since there is continuous order. He has subcontracted from the company for three years and trust Mr. Chaiyapat.

Gathering in front of the government house.
At 3 p.m., the workers went to the government house by renting 10 minibuses to press the government to solve the problems. The workers are in big trouble. They have not received any wages for several weeks and no compensation. Some lost their rented house. Some cannot send money for their children. Some even have no money to buy food.

At the government house, the workers met with one villagers'contingent demanding the government to solve the problem concerning their money that was lost by investing in the mutual fund of the Government Savings Bank. The group gave the workers a microphone to pronounce their problem to the public. Mr. Samarn Thomya, the advisor of the employees suggested that the government should pay the arrears of wages to the workers first and then the government should get the money back from the employer. After long hours of negotiation, the labour officer proposed to pay from the employee's welfare fund within 15 days.

At 9.30 p.m., the workers went to stay at the Ministry of Labour - the place for workers to struggle many times. For example, the Thai Kriang durable workers and the Thai Iyro Garment workers protested there as well. Mrs. Paweena Hongsakul, an advisor of the Minister of Labour, met with them and promised to help. They are still waiting for their problems to be solved.

Around 9.00 p.m., October 21, Mr. Paweena had asked the workers to stay under the office building of the Ministry of Labour.

At 10.oo a.m., October 22, a discussion, participated by the director of the Labour Welfare Department, representatives of the Welfare Department, representatives of Prapadaeng Police Station and workers, was made. Three demands was proposed by the workers.