Every year on December 18, the United Nations recognizes this day as International Migrants Day. This commemoration began after the 1990 Convention on the Protection of Migrant Workers and Their Families was ratified by the United Nations, emphasizing the importance of migrant workers' contributions to the development of countries of origin, transit, and destination. It also aims to ensure that migrant workers receive protection for both their human and labor rights, based on the principles of fair treatment and non-discrimination regardless of race, religion, skin color, or gender.

Migration for work or residence has been a common occurrence throughout the world for centuries. The primary causes of labor migration include economic hardships, natural disasters, shortages, war or conflict, and climate change—conditions that compel people to leave their hometowns in search of better lives.

Thailand is home to a large number of migrant workers from various countries, including Burmese, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese nationals. Over 3 million of these workers are employed with legal documents, while more than 1 million are still unable to access the legal work permit registration system. These migrant workers play a crucial role in driving Thailand's economic and social growth. However, many faces systemic issues and lack access to rights and protections under the Labor Protection Act and other labor laws. Challenges include receiving wages below the minimum rate, lack of weekly holidays, unpaid overtime, and restricted access to social security and compensation funds.

On this occasion, the Northern Labor Network urges the government and relevant agencies to address the problems faced by migrant workers in a tangible way through proactive legal reforms and by prioritizing human rights. The proposals are as follows:

1. Adjusting Wages Fairly
   The government must ensure fair compensation by aligning wages with the cost of living. Annual wage adjustments should reflect the inflation rate plus 3%, and there should be a universal wage rate nationwide.
2. Establishing Long-Term Migrant Worker Policies
   The government must develop a 5–10-year systematic and long-term policy for migrant workers. This policy should be aligned with human rights principles, non-discrimination, and inclusive participation, while amending laws related to employment and residency.
3. Ratifying and Implementing ILO Conventions
   The government must expedite the ratification of the following International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions:
• ILO Convention No. 87: Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize.
• ILO Convention No. 98: Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining.
• ILO Convention No. 189: Decent Work for Domestic Workers.

Laws, regulations, and mechanisms must also be amended or introduced to protect domestic workers' rights, including provisions for clean and safe living conditions, proper nutrition, adequate rest, and welfare.

1. Improving the Social Security System
   A ministerial regulation must be issued requiring equal access to the social security system for all workers in all occupations, without discrimination. Migrant workers leaving Thailand should be allowed to claim their retirement pension funds immediately.
2. Protecting All Forms of Employment
   The government must certify the legal status of workers across various employment sectors, including platform workers, riders, service workers, creative workers, domestic workers, informal workers, and seasonal agricultural workers. Labor laws must be amended to ensure comprehensive protection for all workers.
3. Revoking the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act
   The government must revoke this act to address its adverse impacts on workers' rights.
4. Ensuring LGBTQ+ Employment Rights
   The government must promote inclusive employment opportunities and workplace protections for LGBTQ+ workers. This includes creating non-discriminatory work environments and ensuring compliance with the Gender Equality Act.
5. Improving the Quality of Life for Female Workers
   Female workers should be entitled to paid menstrual leave, and sanitary pads should be provided as free welfare for all women.
6. Protecting Myanmar Migrants
   Given the current situation in Myanmar, the Northern Labor Network calls on the government to immediately halt the detention and forced deportation of workers and migrants from Myanmar. Migrants must be granted permission to reside, work, and access essential services, including healthcare and education.

The Northern Labor Network stands in solidarity with all workers and urges the government to take meaningful action to uphold human and labor rights.

Northern Labor Network
December 18, 2024