Hundreds of Thai workers go on strike in Kaohsiung

More than 600 Thai workers brought in to help build Kaohsiung's rapid transit system went on strike yesterday to protest against increased medical insurance costs as well as what they claim is poor quality food served by Kaohsiung Airport Catering Service (KACS).

The 632 workers at Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corp's (KRTC's) Kangshan dormitories also complained about an injured worker who they said was browbeaten into reporting for work, saying they still have to work when they are ill.

KRTC deputy general manager Chu Fu-chiang (朱賦強) and several city government officials held talks with the workers in an effort to resolve their problems and the strikers were expected to return to work today.

KRTC said the food quality should have been improved since Thai workers rioted last August. KACS has since been the supplier of meals to the workers, who elected their own delegates in the food committee that supervises the supplier, the company said.

Last August, more than 1,000 Thais rioted in their living quarters to protest what they claimed was inhumane treatment by Huapan Administration Consultant Co -- their management company.

The strikers also complained that 14 Thais are being sued by Huapan Administration Consultant Co in connection with last year's protest.

Chu said KRTC's contract with Huapan was rescinded last September and that the Kaohsiung city and county governments, as well as the Thailand Trade and Economic Office, would help the defendants fight their legal battle.

Tseng Ching-lung, a Kaohsiung County official in charge of foreign workers, said he had been inspecting dormitories at Kangshan, Fengshan and Kaohsiung almost daily since last September and had seen great improvements in both food quality and living conditions.

Chu said the strikers had not been airing "group" grievances but individual complaints.

Kaohsiung City Councilor Chao Tien-lin (趙天麟), however, accused the workers of staging a strike "in violation of the law and with no good reason."