Thai political party proposes gig workers union
The gig economy will become more important as its strength is flexibility between employers and workers, said Thuntee Sukchotrat, Digital Transformation Chief of the Thai Sang Thai Party.
In his talk at the Thailand Metaverse Expo 2022 where he invited freelancers in 11 occupations to vote to establish a union for gig workers, he said gig workers can get jobs anywhere while companies do not have to hire them full-time. However, they face extra risks of unstable incomes, security, and health benefits, and many are not eligible to receive loans from banks or financial institutions.
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Setting up a gig-worker labour union would provide them with welfare and benefits while also setting a minimum wage for each category to prevent undercutting, Thuntee emphasised. It would also help in negotiating fair conditions with employers. Moreover, a union would offer training to improve the skills and standard of the gig workforce.
He said his party’s idea is to liberate and empower “small people” as they are the foundation of the economy. Thai Sang Thai was formed late last year with former Pheu Thai chief strategist Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan as chairwoman, reported The Nation Thailand.
