Thailand KFC Faces Employee Lawsuit For Unfair Practices

[Lost in LOS]

In all my life, work never included meals

In my restaurants I gave a 50% discount to employes, when working or not. When I included meals there was always someone who wanted something different so I stopped it.

Why should KFC give food, they give paychecks.

[arthurwait]

Minimum salary is for 8 hours work a day, inclusive 1 free meal.

So those who wrote something else is WRONG !

They should also have social security, it is mandatory by law in Thailand, staff pay 5% and the company pay 5% of their salaries.

If they get one free meal a day, and that is leftovers from the business and instant nuddles, it is not proper food, so i understand that they complain.

So have that in mind next time you go their !

Paying taxes is also a law, how many Thais pay taxes? Especially those of the lower class population? My guess would be - cloze to 0%.

Leftovers are food left in the plates after customers eat in. Some fast food restaurants I visit once in a while, all the trash and leftovers go into the bin. Somehow I doubt they are being forced to dig into the trash bins to find their free meal.

People earning under 20,000 don't pay taxes. Loads that earn more (self employed) don't until they get caught, then a deal is worked out with the tax inspector usually.

[kmj]

"Yum Thailand said that the company had a family of 10,000" now that's funny, the old we're a family ( glad I'm not in their family )

[MILT]

I suppose Toyota employees should also get a brand new car for free!

Forced to eat noodles ??? I doubt anyone forced them. Do not like noodles go buy what you like!

Left overs food, as in unsold food! How is that leftovers??? Why should company put up a banquet for the staff?

Travel allowance? Is that a joke? Do not like to work or finish late, find another job!

Were paid ONLY 27 baht per hour?? Well that's ONLY the salary in Thailand . Are employees brain surgeons? Or highly educated staff ??

There is nothing unfair in removing those who disturb company operations. They used company time and money for their own agenda, further more they did not contact the management to voice their concerns prior to creating a problem .

If you ask me, nothing but 2 gold diggers trying to make some money.

KFC is a business and profits it makes is not an employees business . If employee has a problem with company profits, they are welcome to open their own.

Aye says captain Bly, Thank God you don't own a business here or maybe you do which in that case I would feel sorry for your employees.

[R123]

If it ain't be said so far:

"finger licking bad"

[trisailer]

I for one applaud these peoples activism and I intend to support them by writing to KFC Thailand and if I have to boycotting KFC for whom I am a very good customer.

Some people fail to understand that we can be here living the lifestyles we live because someone fought for labor rights and stood up (and many times were killed) for working people. These folks have taken huge risks to do this and I think we should support them. This is capitalism and the free market working: when people decide they are being unfairly treated they stand up and do something about it.

I am frankly disgusted with people who take from the system and recieve it's benefits, but then want to slam the door on those trying to recieve the same benefits.

[WebGuy]

Dear friends,

And with that money they have to pay for their accommodation, food, clothes, shoes, educate their children and have some fun once a week.

Good idea but I can't make the right calculation.

On the other side, no one will give them a rise if they do not fight.

If they don't fight they will live worse and worse.

If they lift the boycott on KFC food I am gonna support them.

Try imagine being on BHT 27 a week.

A bottle of Leo beer is 48 baht.

So sad

If they will fight, they will loose their jobs and will end up sleeping on the streets.

This is conditions in the country, they are NOT any worse off the any other person working in Thailand.

Now the managers who created the problem(providing this is all out in Thai media) may find themselves little unemployable for a while.

First, they will end up on streets. They are already there with that money.

What kind of accommodation can you pay for 1000 B?

Someone may let you sleep in his yard with rats, snakes etc.

Second, the managers created a problem.

In the 21st century we call it fighting for human rights.

People in New Zealand earn $13 per hour because they fought for their rights or as you say they were causing problems.

Third, try to imagine yourself working for 27 B per hour. (read: first, really imagine yourself being there and then answer this post)

I support boycott on KFC food.

:jap:

Edited May 10, 2011 by WebGuy

[kuffki]

I suppose Toyota employees should also get a brand new car for free!

Forced to eat noodles ??? I doubt anyone forced them. Do not like noodles go buy what you like!

Left overs food, as in unsold food! How is that leftovers??? Why should company put up a banquet for the staff?

Travel allowance? Is that a joke? Do not like to work or finish late, find another job!

Were paid ONLY 27 baht per hour?? Well that's ONLY the salary in Thailand . Are employees brain surgeons? Or highly educated staff ??

There is nothing unfair in removing those who disturb company operations. They used company time and money for their own agenda, further more they did not contact the management to voice their concerns prior to creating a problem .

If you ask me, nothing but 2 gold diggers trying to make some money.

KFC is a business and profits it makes is not an employees business . If employee has a problem with company profits, they are welcome to open their own.

Aye says captain Bly, Thank God you don't own a business here or maybe you do which in that case I would feel sorry for your employees.

Yes, i am very sorry for having a business for the purpose of making money.

I suppose running a business with purpose of loosing all the money in the first year to go back with tail between the legs is a much better option.

But to realize that one would actually need to own business or or have any business sense at all

[FOODLOVER]

"Yum Thailand said that the company had a family of 10,000" now that's funny, the old we're a family ( glad I'm not in their family )

Especially since the "Children" are trying to bend them over with a tasty corn niblet.

[kuffki]

Dear friends,

And with that money they have to pay for their accommodation, food, clothes, shoes, educate their children and have some fun once a week.

Good idea but I can't make the right calculation.

On the other side, no one will give them a rise if they do not fight.

If they don't fight they will live worse and worse.

If they lift the boycott on KFC food I am gonna support them.

Try imagine being on BHT 27 a week.

A bottle of Leo beer is 48 baht.

So sad

If they will fight, they will loose their jobs and will end up sleeping on the streets.

This is conditions in the country, they are NOT any worse off the any other person working in Thailand.

Now the managers who created the problem(providing this is all out in Thai media) may find themselves little unemployable for a while.

First, they will end up on streets. They are already there with that money.

What kind of accommodation can you pay for 1000 B?

Someone may let you sleep in his yard with rats, snakes etc.

Second, the managers created a problem.

In the 21st century we call it fighting for human rights.

People in New Zealand earn $13 per hour because they fought for their rights or as you say they were causing problems.

Third, try to imagine yourself working for 27 B per hour. (read: first, really imagine yourself being there and then answer this post)

I support boycott on KFC food.

:jap:

Are you intoxicated still?

human rights? what are you talking about? they have a job which pays the legal wage. What hard work do they exactly do?

Use brain-NO

Education-NO

Physical labor-NO

Pressure-NO

If you know nothing about New Zealand, please do not post what people in New Zealand did.

nOODLES also do not cost 6 baht in New Zealand nor does a bottle of water

Imagine being where???? everyone after finishing school or at school worked in one place or another for minimum wage.

27 baht in Thailand can buy you a meal and drink.

You can rent proper accommodation-room with some furniture, tv, shower for 2000 per month.

Please stop the insanity with ridiculous excuses.

[ttthailand]

A job at KFC is for a student or someone wanting a second job. It is not to support a family. As long as KFC is not breaking any laws, when someone accepts the job they accept the conditions and pay. If not get another job !!! Go to school !!! learn something !!! This is the way it is in all countries.

I worked for little money when going to school and so did everyone else I know. 27 baht an hour to a kid going to school is enough to pay his phone, go to the movies sometimes, get some snacks, buy books, etc...not to make a living.

What does a Thai laborer make when working in the sun all day....about the same or less.

[dunkin2012]

Dear friends,

And with that money they have to pay for their accommodation, food, clothes, shoes, educate their children and have some fun once a week.

Good idea but I can't make the right calculation.

On the other side, no one will give them a rise if they do not fight.

If they don't fight they will live worse and worse.

If they lift the boycott on KFC food I am gonna support them.

Try imagine being on BHT 27 a week.

A bottle of Leo beer is 48 baht.

So sad

If they will fight, they will loose their jobs and will end up sleeping on the streets.

This is conditions in the country, they are NOT any worse off the any other person working in Thailand.

Now the managers who created the problem(providing this is all out in Thai media) may find themselves little unemployable for a while.

First, they will end up on streets. They are already there with that money.

What kind of accommodation can you pay for 1000 B?

Someone may let you sleep in his yard with rats, snakes etc.

Second, the managers created a problem.

In the 21st century we call it fighting for human rights.

People in New Zealand earn $13 per hour because they fought for their rights or as you say they were causing problems.

Third, try to imagine yourself working for 27 B per hour. (read: first, really imagine yourself being there and then answer this post)

I support boycott on KFC food.

:jap:

i second this........ back off KFC

[kuffki]

I for one applaud these peoples activism and I intend to support them by writing to KFC Thailand and if I have to boycotting KFC for whom I am a very good customer.

Some people fail to understand that we can be here living the lifestyles we live because someone fought for labor rights and stood up (and many times were killed) for working people. These folks have taken huge risks to do this and I think we should support them. This is capitalism and the free market working: when people decide they are being unfairly treated they stand up and do something about it.

I am frankly disgusted with people who take from the system and recieve it's benefits, but then want to slam the door on those trying to recieve the same benefits.

tAKE what fromt the system? and receive what benefits?

Those trying to receive same benefits as whom?

Which folks we should support? the ones who are not happy with the FREE meals they get? should they be served with a lobster? paid the wage of a lawyer, all for one reason because they are poor?

Here an idea, take 2 jobs, so you make double the salary. save the money and open your own business.

Or do the same with 2 jobs, save money, get an education and get a higher paying job.

[HakimKlunker]

So what?

You study seriously at school - learn a proper profession - - - and you do not need to depend on a job at KFC.

The service I usually experience there - and other junkfood chains as well - reflects their payment. Or the other way round.

And if I do not like instant noodles, I still can become a monk and cadge my rice for free.

For everything else - - - there's MASTERCARD

[ableguy]

Price of KFC in Bangkok about 130 baht

Price is KFC in New Zealand 140 Baht

Wages for staff in New Zealand $13 hour = 290 baht an hour

Wages for staff in Bangkok 27 baht an hour

KFC, restaurant brands in New Zealand still make a profit when they pay 10 times more in wages than thailand and charge the same price

Also the chicken is no doubt sourced cheaper here too

I am a capitalist but when I see the disgusting super profits these businessmen make while paying their staff nothing so they can buy their latest merc to show their friends

it makes me want to be a socialist

Same goes for McD.

As long as their is cheap supply of labour in Thailand the chinese will continue to make massive profits

Good response and dont forget the cheaper rents and none medical benefits.

[hansnl]

I suppose Toyota employees should also get a brand new car for free!

Forced to eat noodles ??? I doubt anyone forced them. Do not like noodles go buy what you like!

Left overs food, as in unsold food! How is that leftovers??? Why should company put up a banquet for the staff?

Travel allowance? Is that a joke? Do not like to work or finish late, find another job!

Were paid ONLY 27 baht per hour?? Well that's ONLY the salary in Thailand . Are employees brain surgeons? Or highly educated staff ??

There is nothing unfair in removing those who disturb company operations. They used company time and money for their own agenda, further more they did not contact the management to voice their concerns prior to creating a problem .

If you ask me, nothing but 2 gold diggers trying to make some money.

KFC is a business and profits it makes is not an employees business . If employee has a problem with company profits, they are welcome to open their own.

While I agree with most of your thoughts, there are two points I would like to give my thoughts about.

First, removing people from the workforce who try to voice their concern with the way staff is treated is a very cheap and stupid way to resolve a problem.

In fact, the problem is not removed, but made worse by the action to fire the people who complain.

The problem is still there, and is made worse.

In other words treat people how you would like to be treated.

Second, KFC is a profit making business, I agree.

That said, while profit is indeed the reason the company exists, that does not take away the fact that a company should take care of their staff, and treat them well.

Your thought about this is rather old fsshioned economic thinking.

Most companies have other thoughts, I am happy to say.

Telling staff to <deleted> off if they do not like to work makes the workforce weak.

However,

[AllanB]

You guys live in Thailand, a country teeming of high quality fast food places at great prices, so what on earth are you doing eating this American crap. The money you pay goes into marketing, to perpetuate the con, in the west it constitutes more that 60% of what you pay, and the ingredients less than 10%, you are being DONE. Wise up and eat some real food, or become fat as well as stupid.

[ableguy]

I for one applaud these peoples activism and I intend to support them by writing to KFC Thailand and if I have to boycotting KFC for whom I am a very good customer.

Some people fail to understand that we can be here living the lifestyles we live because someone fought for labor rights and stood up (and many times were killed) for working people. These folks have taken huge risks to do this and I think we should support them. This is capitalism and the free market working: when people decide they are being unfairly treated they stand up and do something about it.

I am frankly disgusted with people who take from the system and recieve it's benefits, but then want to slam the door on those trying to recieve the same benefits.

tAKE what fromt the system? and receive what benefits?

Those trying to receive same benefits as whom?

Which folks we should support? the ones who are not happy with the FREE meals they get? should they be served with a lobster? paid the wage of a lawyer, all for one reason because they are poor?

Here an idea, take 2 jobs, so you make double the salary. save the money and open your own business.

Or do the same with 2 jobs, save money, get an education and get a higher paying job.

Difficult to get a real education here ?

[blix99]

I believe all these KFC workers knew what the wages were when they went to work and i also believe they knew the benefits so...........whats the problem? If they do not like the deal quit. Unions have ruined the west and looks like it might start in Thailand.

Yep. 30 baht per hour would be the sure road to perdition....

[WebGuy]

And about Toyota and its employees.

Of course they shouldn't get a free car but of course they should get an employee discount.

Generally, that's also in Toyota's interest because they will sell more cars and the society will see that people who work there also use their products. (By the way, that belongs to "Public relations")

If I was the owner of Toyota I wouldn't like my employees drive for ex Ford.

[wlcart]

I believe all these KFC workers knew what the wages were when they went to work and i also believe they knew the benefits so...........whats the problem? If they do not like the deal quit. Unions have ruined the west and looks like it might start in Thailand.

why bash on unions?

I do not think these sort of issues belong in the court and this does not warrant a lawsuit, but in a free democracy do people not have the right to organize? Governments and big corporations have plenty of organization and representation. Why shouldn't employees have the right to form a union if the freely and collectively decide that is what they want to do?

Freedom is freedom, whether you like or agree with the outcomes and ideas of other people. I say keep this crap out of the courts, and let employees organize and fight for themselves if they want. Unions can use strikes, sit downs, picketing or other methods to seek better working conditions. If people have the wits and skills to collectively put demands on their employer, more power to them.

Corporations and governments of the biggest manipulators of the courts, way more than unions.

[kuffki]

I suppose Toyota employees should also get a brand new car for free!

Forced to eat noodles ??? I doubt anyone forced them. Do not like noodles go buy what you like!

Left overs food, as in unsold food! How is that leftovers??? Why should company put up a banquet for the staff?

Travel allowance? Is that a joke? Do not like to work or finish late, find another job!

Were paid ONLY 27 baht per hour?? Well that's ONLY the salary in Thailand . Are employees brain surgeons? Or highly educated staff ??

There is nothing unfair in removing those who disturb company operations. They used company time and money for their own agenda, further more they did not contact the management to voice their concerns prior to creating a problem .

If you ask me, nothing but 2 gold diggers trying to make some money.

KFC is a business and profits it makes is not an employees business . If employee has a problem with company profits, they are welcome to open their own.

While I agree with most of your thoughts, there are two points I would like to give my thoughts about.

First, removing people from the workforce who try to voice their concern with the way staff is treated is a very cheap and stupid way to resolve a problem.

In fact, the problem is not removed, but made worse by the action to fire the people who complain.

The problem is still there, and is made worse.

In other words treat people how you would like to be treated.

Second, KFC is a profit making business, I agree.

That said, while profit is indeed the reason the company exists, that does not take away the fact that a company should take care of their staff, and treat them well.

Your thought about this is rather old fsshioned economic thinking.

Most companies have other thoughts, I am happy to say.

Telling staff to <deleted> off if they do not like to work makes the workforce weak.

However,

iF the managers approached the company and expressed their concerns and company ignored them-no question there. However according to OP, they first created a problem and ONLY THEN approached the company.

Problem was already created without even consulting the top.

In any company worldwide, there are staff who are really valued and are kept happy and there are staff there that can be replaced with no hassles at all, usually those are rather less productive, unreliable and unskilled.

[kirk0233]

Price of KFC in Bangkok about 130 baht

Price is KFC in New Zealand 140 Baht

Wages for staff in New Zealand $13 hour = 290 baht an hour

Wages for staff in Bangkok 27 baht an hour

KFC, restaurant brands in New Zealand still make a profit when they pay 10 times more in wages than thailand and charge the same price

Also the chicken is no doubt sourced cheaper here too

I am a capitalist but when I see the disgusting super profits these businessmen make while paying their staff nothing so they can buy their latest merc to show their friends

it makes me want to be a socialist

Same goes for McD.

As long as their is cheap supply of labour in Thailand the chinese will continue to make massive profits

I imagine the number of staff for a KFC or McDonalds is the same in US and New Zealand, not that many and they work very hard. However, almost any Thai establishment, including KFC and McDonalds, has an overabundance of staff. In fact, so many staff they seem to spend more time talking to each other than doing any work. This can be clearly seen in stores such as Central as well. For some reason Thai companys provide an informal unemployment program and hire far too many employees for each and every service industry job. The overabundance of emplyees rather than providing better service actualy reduces service since one is required to generally break up a conversation among employees when requesting something and it obviously lowers the wages an employee could garner. It does however, lower unemployment. I don't know how Thais would react to the fast paced service industry in the US even with a higher wage.

[Emster23]

"Nobody is forced to work for any employer." No, but people tend to get hungry from time to time.

How can they charge about the same as western outlets, but pay only 10% of the wage costs? Simple. People are willing to pay that much for the product.

got to be status, can't be the food. Almost ANY food stall puts out a superior product at a fraction of the price and 10x the flavor. Plus I tend to get sick after a visit to KFC.

Don't get me started on Starbucks....

They'd have to pay me extra if they wanted me to eat some of that Krispy Kreme junk!

[FOODLOVER]

Thailand has few laws on the books to protect labor. Those it does have are ignored. It is common practice for large companies to give blood tests before hiring employees as they don't want to be on the hook for health care costs, that is IF they provide health benefits. Some companies require yearly blood tests and I know of one instance of someone being terminated because HIV showed up on a blood test. This was for a person employed by the company for years, despite the fact that there are some laws on the books preventing such tests. Another acquaintance with a Masters Degree (has HIV also)is trying to find work and finding it very difficult because of the required blood tests the companies give in volation of the law. Students getting out of college get decent jobs only if they have connections or even pay bribes. One has to feel sorry for workers at all levels as the companies are free to do what they want. There seems to be little in the way of fair labor laws in a country where corruption is the norm. While the specifics of the KFC issue are not clear, every time I go into a fast food establishment in Thailand I know they are being paid very little and obviously 5,000 or 6,000 baht a month won't allow anyone to live independently. Whatever the minimum wage is, if there is one, you can bet it is not enough to live on independently, particularly in the cities.

The books that you speak are riddled with laws protecting the Thai employee from the evil Farang. How many people working at KFC in the rest of the world can afford to be independent ? It's a high school job at best. Both my folks had jobs, they cant?(whole different thread) Drug tests are the norm in the rest of the world as they should be. You wouldn't want unruly drugged up chicken pluckers out there, would you? And from what i understand if an American company terminated a Thai after it was discovered he had HIV through drug testing, they have just gotten themselves tits of a law suit. Good luck

[kuffki]

I for one applaud these peoples activism and I intend to support them by writing to KFC Thailand and if I have to boycotting KFC for whom I am a very good customer.

Some people fail to understand that we can be here living the lifestyles we live because someone fought for labor rights and stood up (and many times were killed) for working people. These folks have taken huge risks to do this and I think we should support them. This is capitalism and the free market working: when people decide they are being unfairly treated they stand up and do something about it.

I am frankly disgusted with people who take from the system and recieve it's benefits, but then want to slam the door on those trying to recieve the same benefits.

tAKE what fromt the system? and receive what benefits?

Those trying to receive same benefits as whom?

Which folks we should support? the ones who are not happy with the FREE meals they get? should they be served with a lobster? paid the wage of a lawyer, all for one reason because they are poor?

Here an idea, take 2 jobs, so you make double the salary. save the money and open your own business.

Or do the same with 2 jobs, save money, get an education and get a higher paying job.

Difficult to get a real education here ?

Does not have to be "real", as long as you have the paper, salary doubles.

half of the doctors should not be doctors

accountants who do not know thai tax system and the list goes on

[MILT]

Nobody is forced to work for any employer.

If the working conditions, pay and other benefits are unsatisfactory to them, they may leave and seek employment elsewhere.

You would be correct if your are speaking about a western country where most of the time a person can pick and choose a job and at the worst get unemployment benefits until they find work. That is until recently with unemployment at it's highest in most western countries. Thais are basically over doing manual labor that is why there are so many Burmese working and living here in the kingdom. I and my wife own our own business here in the kingdom for 16 years with 287 employees. Thai, Thai Yai, Several different hill tribe peoples. We pay over the minimum wage because we know that people need to be payed what they are worth. We are not business giants like KFC that could easily do the right thing and pay people what they are worth. Time is time and has no discrimination. It is not always about profits and bottom lines. By the way over half of our staff has been with us since we started our business. In fact in the long term taking care of ones employees has made the company exceptionally strong.

[MILT]

Thailand has few laws on the books to protect labor. Those it does have are ignored. It is common practice for large companies to give blood tests before hiring employees as they don't want to be on the hook for health care costs, that is IF they provide health benefits. Some companies require yearly blood tests and I know of one instance of someone being terminated because HIV showed up on a blood test. This was for a person employed by the company for years, despite the fact that there are some laws on the books preventing such tests. Another acquaintance with a Masters Degree (has HIV also)is trying to find work and finding it very difficult because of the required blood tests the companies give in volation of the law. Students getting out of college get decent jobs only if they have connections or even pay bribes. One has to feel sorry for workers at all levels as the companies are free to do what they want. There seems to be little in the way of fair labor laws in a country where corruption is the norm. While the specifics of the KFC issue are not clear, every time I go into a fast food establishment in Thailand I know they are being paid very little and obviously 5,000 or 6,000 baht a month won't allow anyone to live independently. Whatever the minimum wage is, if there is one, you can bet it is not enough to live on independently, particularly in the cities.

The books that you speak are riddled with laws protecting the Thai employee from the evil Farang. How many people working at KFC in the rest of the world can afford to be independent ? It's a high school job at best. Both my folks had jobs, they cant?(whole different thread) Drug tests are the norm in the rest of the world as they should be. You wouldn't want unruly drugged up chicken pluckers out there, would you? And from what i understand if an American company terminated a Thai after it was discovered he had HIV through drug testing, they have just gotten themselves tits of a law suit. Good luck

That is right. As it stands Thailand has more and stronger laws protecting the employee than the other way around.

[bangkoklight]

What I don't understand is that these workers have been earning pittance for years while the company makes millions yet the labour officials have done diddly squat about it. It's not as if their third-world salary is a secret. Everyone knows how little they earn - the same as any other fast food chain or restaurant here. What infuriates me more is that when staff have the balls to do something about it, we get comments from farang putting them and their cause down. Do you think that if our grandparents and their parents hadn't stood up to the capitalist pigs in the West years ago that you would be here today with a comfy job, social security, pension plan, holidays? What you gonna say next? You never got travel allowance? Maybe not. You didn't need it because your salary was half decent in the first place. Dim. Where do these people come from? 27 baht/hour is disgusting. Any attempt by staff to increase this rate is a good thing.

[metisdead]

It is perfectly acceptable to report on events and give opinions, it is not acceptable to post in an inflammatory manner.