The Labour Protection Network (LPN)’s collaboration with Charoen Pokphand Foods PLC (CPF) enters the third year. “Labour Voices Hotline by LPN” and human right training are earmarked to promote international human rights among CPF employees.
Mr. Sompong Srakaew, Director of LPN, said that throughout the past 2 years, “Labour Voices Hotline by LPN” had helped educate Thai and migrant workers about their rights in line with Thailand’s labour law and international standards. The workers had enjoyed fair treatments in terms of pays, health care, work-related safety and access to labour rights, which guided them towards a better life. Meanwhile, more than 1,800 CPF workers had attended training. As 75% of them were migrant workers, the training helped promote understanding.
In 2019, “Labour Voices Hotline by LPN” received 4 calls from both Thai and migrant workers, who requested information and filed complaints. The requested information concerned the recruitment process under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Thailand and neighbouring governments. After investigation, the complaints derived from workers’ concerns and misunderstanding in rules and work process.
“Few complaints were filed to “Labour Voices Hotline by LPN” because CPF provided translators at work premises who gave preliminary consultations to migrant workers. Meanwhile, a systematic and prompt problem-sorting process is in place, involving the Human Resources Department and supervisors. Training also helped workers better understand labour rights and related laws,” said Mr. Sompong.
Mr. Parisotat Punnabhum, CPF Executive Vice President of Human Resources, added CPF has emphasized fair and equal treatments for all employees. Migrant workers have received the same pays and benefits enjoyed by their Thai colleagues. The collaboration with LPN allowed CPF to quickly learn about workers’ needs and promptly resolve their problems, leading to satisfaction and positive understanding between CPF and its employees.
"CPF conducted a survey to guage workers' awareness in the Hotline center at 6 factories, covering both Thai and foreign workers. The result showed that 75% of workers were aware of the compliant-filing channel, which will minimize labour rights violations and negative impacts on our business,” Mr. Parisotat said.
In 2019, CPF also carried out the Human Rights Due Diligence, covering all businesses in Thailand and all groups. The due diligence involved all groups including the vulnerables, such as ethnic and religious minorities as well as people with disabilities. The process highlighted employment status, work-related health and safety, personal information, standard of living, safety standards of suppliers throughout the supply chain, and etc.
CPF has exercised strict safety measures for all workers after the COVID-19 outbreak. Training to educate migrant workers about the disease and protective measures has been organized. Safety signages are arranged in multi-languages. The number of transport buses is increased in line with social distancing. These measures are to assure workers of their safety and until now no worker in processing lines contract the virus.
