Workers’ five demands on the Labour Day

BANGKOK, May 1 (TNA) - Labour authorities and workers organised activities in Bangkok to mark the Labour Day on May 1 and workers’ organisations came up with five demands for their better life. The Labour Ministry organised the activities together with 15 organisations of workers in state enterprises and the private sector. The activities began with Labour Minister Sirichai Distakul presiding over a religious ceremony at the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare in Din Daeng district. Then officials of the ministry and members of the workers’ organisation paraded on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road for one kilometre from the Army Stadium to the Bangkok Youth Centre. Their parade also honoured King Rama IX and King Rama X. Officials closed one lane on the section of the road for about an hour to make way for the parade which did not affect traffic. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha arrived to officially launch Labour Day activities at 11am. Chinchote Saengsang, chairman of the Labour Confederation of Thailand, said that this year workers’ organisations raised five demands for the better and fair wages and welfare of workers. They demanded the government ratify Conventions Nos. 87 and 98 of the International Labour Organization, turn the Social Security Office into an independent organisation, refrain from privatising state enterprises, establish an organisation to take care of about 20 million informal workers and have companies form provident funds and savings cooperatives. (TNA)