Workshop
Overcoming Migrant Workers’ Struggles in Accessing Remedies at the Bottom of Supply Chains
ORGANIZED BY
Mekong Migration Network, UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute, Group of Entrepreneurs with Foreign Workers, Human Rights Development Foundation, MAP Foundation, Raks Thai Foundation, Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association
16-Sep
09:00-10:30
Meeting Room H
Migrant workers employed in Thailand at the bottom of supply chains face significant obstacles in accessing remedies. With an emphasis on worker voice and participatory problem solving , the session will highlight specific migrant worker cases from the seafood, manufacturing and garment industries. Participants will work through real life case examples through a journey-mapping workshop activity.
What practical challenge will the workshop tackle
Migrant workers often lack meaningful access to remedial mechanisms and do not receive the remedies they are owed even when they pursue claims.
Who should attend
Migrants, private sectors, employers, Civil Society Organisations, government agencies, UN agencies, academics.
Overview
The workshop will bring to the UNBHRF migrant workers from Myanmar and Cambodia who have sought remedies in cases of occupational accidents and unlawful dismissal. They will share the challenges encountered both in filing claims and in receiving remedies in practice. MMN member organisations working closely with migrant grassroots communities will support migrant worker representatives in preparing their presentations.
Following these testimonies, MMN member organisations with long standing experience in migrant rights advocacy, representatives of small and medium enterprises employing migrant workers, and academics will discuss what is needed to improve access to remedies.
Discussions will address both the structural barriers that prevent migrant workers from accessing remedies and the weak enforcement that leaves even those who win labour rights cases unable to receive compensation, as employers frequently evade responsibility by declaring bankruptcy or changing management.
Background
Migrant workers pursuing remedies in Thailand will present their cases. One case features a worker among more than 230 migrants who lost their jobs and unpaid wages when their factory closed in 2020. Although the workers won a Thai labour court ruling in 2021 awarding 32 million baht, none have received payment due to the owners’ disappearance and weak enforcement. Other cases include unfair dismissal following pregnancy and injuries from workplace accidents.
Activities
Through a breakout session, participants will be divided into groups based on the cases they are interested in. They will be able to ask questions directly to migrant worker representatives and supporting CSOs, and collectively analyse gaps and explore possible actions.