The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) will on 7 November, march on the Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria, in solidarity with the State Enterprise Workers’ Relations Confederation (SERC).
SATAWU will deliver a letter for the attention of Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, calling on him to drop charges against 13 leaders of the State Railway Union of Thailand (SRUT), who are due to appear at the Central Criminal Court on 11 November. The SRUT leaders are facing charges of corruption and misconduct brought against them by the State Railway of Thailand in 2009, following an occupational health and safety protest they staged in response to a train crash that killed seven people.
If found guilty the SRUT leaders face a sentence of up to five years in jail, a fine of USD 660 (R9 900) each as well as termination of employment. This is in addition to a damage claim where seven of the leaders have been made to pay USD 726 (R10 890) via salary deduction. All 13 were granted bail of USD 3 304 (R49 560) each on 8 October.
In the letter SATAWU will call for the Prime Minister to do the following:
- Drop the corruption and misconduct charges against the 13 leaders
- Urge the State Railway of Thailand to withdraw the fines and reimburse the seven leaders for monies deducted; plus ensure they receive full compensation for lost wages and benefits
- Abrogate section 33 of SELRA, and amend section 77 of SELRA and article 166 of the Penal Code for conformity with the principles of freedom of association.