What should be ensure that workers’ rights are upheld?

To mark International Labour Day on May 1, activities took place to highlight the role played by workers and their rights, particularly of those employed by factories and construction companies. Vientiane Times asked some local residents for their thoughts on how the rights of workers should be respected.
 

Workers on a construction site in Vientiane.

Ms Lanoy Pholasin, a resident of Hadxaifong district: I think more should be done to protect workers in our country, especially Lao nationals, because many employers ignore their rights. In particular, people who work on construction sites aren’t given the protection they are entitled to. In addition, their rights and the work they do aren’t recognised by the general public. People should be made more aware of the need to uphold workers’ rights. The law in this regard should be respected and employers should be forced to comply with it. Everyone should be informed of the law and workers’ rights, and employees should feel they can rely on the law for protection. It’s important that labourers receive fair treatment and are respected by their employers.
 
Mr Kham Vongminy, a resident of Xaythany district: In my opinion, all employees, whether government officials or those working in the private sector, lack full support and recognition. I think that every organisation and company, including construction companies, should improve their system of management with regard to worker protection. They should ensure that all their employees enjoy security and safety. Most employers don’t provide social welfare benefits or insurance for their employees, which further puts them at risk. Those working on construction sites are particularly vulnerable because safety measures are from adequate and they work in very dangerous conditions. Employers in this sector really need to provide better protection for their workers, and the government should show support for workers by carrying out checks to ensure the law is enforced.
 
Ms Phuangxay Chitthanome, a resident of Sikhottabong district: Nothing will change until the government carries out rigorous checks to ensure that employers have proper systems in place to ensure fair treatment of workers under the law. Companies and organisations that do not respect the law should be made to change the way they operate. The agencies responsible should bring the law to bear on employers who do not demonstrate compliance or take adequate steps to uphold the rights of their employees. I also think workers should be better educated and be given more training, because many of them don’t have the proper skills for the work they do. Managers should do more to improve workers’ skill levels as well as providing them with social welfare benefits and insurance, as this would provide security.
 
Mr Boun, a resident of Xaysettha district: It’s good that the government acknowledges the role played by workers and is trying to improve their skills and status. Compared to the past, workers have come a long way in terms of job skills and are now able to compete at the regional and international levels. It’s also good that many organisations and companies now also provide social welfare and insurance.  But this isn’t enough and many people, especially those working in factories and on construction sites, don’t get the chance to exercise their legal rights. Another problem is that starting salaries are grossly inadequate in light of the high cost of living and spiralling inflation. All workers need the government’s support in resolving problems and ensuring that their rights are upheld. We have a law on labour and it’s important that this is used effectively and fully to safeguard workers’ rights and provide them with the protection they are entitled to.

By Visith Teppalath
(Latest Update May 3, 2022)