Untitled Document

The Alliance of Democratic Trade Unions (ADTU) has filed on September 28, 2005 a petition to the Labour Minister, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin. The petition called on the Social Security Office to increase the following benefits to the insured persons, namely health care expense coverage of two dependents of the insured persons, increase in the coverage for dental care and service, increase in child allowances and extension of coverage to 12 years, and reduction of the insured’s contribution rate in accordance with Article 39. Several consultative meetings with the Minister were subsequently held to consider the requests and led finally to the government’s response to some of the ADTU’s demands as follows:

The Social Security Fund (SSF) has revealed that for those holders of SSF cards, the new coverage of child birth welfare which covers pre-labour check-ups and all other necessary expenses until child delivery, is to take effect from November 1, 2005. The welfare will cover 250,000 currently pregnant women and over 3000 million baht is to be prepared for. Those who are not SSF card holders are entitled to claim the expenses within the limit of 6,000 baht per child delivery. Wives of SSF members can only utilize the unlimited child birth welfare coverage after presenting the SSF card of their husband for SSF’s certification and approval. Paid maternity leave remains the same as before, namely 90 days with 50 % payment of current monthly salary.

Child allowances are to be increased to 350 baht a month per head for SSF members’ first two children, starting from November 1, 2005 onwards. This will cover 7.8 million children of the SSF’s members, accounting for 5500 million baht per annum.

Unlimited coverage on the expenses of dental care and service in the hospitals listed in the SSF card. The new extended coverage is to take effect on November 1, 2005. It will cover 1.12 million SSF members and account for over 600 million baht.

For years, the ADTU has been continuously demanding and pushing for the increase in the allowances and coverage of social security benefits. Our persistent efforts have resulted in the fulfillment of some of our goals.

We would like to express our appreciation to you and your trade union as a member and supporter of the ADTU and its activities, especially your participation in the October 14, 2005 rally which has contributed to the Labour Ministry’s response to some points of our demands. However, as some demands are still not acceded to, the ADTU will have to follow up and continue its effort to achieve their realisation. For that, we need your further support and cooperation.

Please do not hesitate to keep direct contact with us at Tel. 01-8229477, 09-5007232, 01-3124865

In order that workers are informed of their rights and benefits provided under the social security system, we urge your union to distribute this letter to all your members and other employees at your workplace.

The Alliance of Demicratic Trade Unions

Website : www.workers-voice.org

31 October 2548

Re: Thanking for your support and participation in the push for ADTU’s demands