The Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin spoke about the case of the media publishing the news of one TikTok user who posted a video clip while employees were listening to the announcements of the annual staff bonus in the Ford Rayong Factory, amounting to 6.35 months, an extra amount of 25,000 Baht, and a salary increase of 4 percent. Employees were excited about the news. The Labour Minister congratulated all Ford Rayong Factory employees who received the bonus and extra money. The Ministry of Labour would like to thank the executives of Ford Motor Thailand in Rayong for announcing the bonuses for employees, which creates morale and shows that the company takes good care of its employees.
Mr. Sathirayut Sangsuwan, Vice President of Human Resources, Auto Alliance Thailand, a Ford Motor Thailand affiliate, revealed that although the company faced problems during COVID-19, there was also support from the government and the Ministry of Labour through various measures, to help employers and workers in many ways. Support measures included reducing contributions, remedies for employers, insured persons under Section 33, the Factory Sandbox project, COVID-19 checkpoints, and sourcing vaccinations for employees. Over 99 percent of employees have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The measures provided workers with more security and immunity so they didn’t get infected and could work as usual. In addition, the company also took care of employees to ensure fair wages and appropriate welfare. In return, the employees gave their hearts to the company. The company received support from the Ministry of Labour regarding vaccinations for employees, having officers inspect and supervise work safety, and promoting good labour relations. The company received the National Outstanding Labour Relations Award, as they can talk and negotiate with their employees to reach agreements on conditions of employment. The company is a good model for worker relations in the eastern region.
Mr. Somkiat Jeadkamjorn, President of the Ford and Mazda Thailand Workers Union, said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the union coordinated with the Automobile Employees’ Council of Thailand and got vaccinated quickly. The government deployed officials to conduct COVID-19 tests and vaccinate all employees for free in the factory. In the beginning, employees were worried about the vaccinations, but when it became more publicized for better understanding, over 90 percent of their employees got vaccinated, giving them peace of mind to stay safe without infecting people at home and being able to come to work normally. He thanked Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha and the Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin who provided good care to help the workers in times of need.
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Division of Public Relations
4 December 2022
