Thailand KFC Faces Employee Lawsuit For Unfair Practices

[thaihome]

And we are back to square 1, circles in circles we go again.

They are not treated in any special bad way, if anything better then 50% of other thai business.

The sooner you realize that the better it would be!

KFC is a global franchise and all are supposed to be treated equally, according to the law of the land. You alluded to that earlier.

KFC Thailand staff are not treated the same as KFC in other countries. I have pointed that out ie: KFC in oz pays over minimum wage, KFC Thailand does not. Therefore, employees in KFC Thailand do not receive the same consideration, bonuses, benefits.

The sooner you realise this has nothing to do with what other employees in Thailand receive the better it would be.

What most people seem to be forgetting here is that KFC in Thailand is a separate company. It is not KFC, and the company is not the same as KFC in Australian, the US, or other places. "KFC" is a franchise, and except for company owned stores, each restaurant is owned by another company.

A company who wants to own a KFC pays KFC an initial franchise fee, then continuing fees. Usually, they have to buy their equipment from the franchiser, and often have to buy their food from them, too. In Thailand, the KFCs are all owned by YUM Restaurants International ( Thailand) Co.,Ltd and Central Restaurants Group Co., Ltd. In Australia, they are owned by KFC Australia Pty., Ltd and by numerous smaller franchisers.

So employees are not all "supposed to be treated equally" any more than a mechanic at the local Toyota dealer in Brisbane should be treated the same as a mechanic at the Korat Toyota dealer. So this does have everything to do with how KFC employees are treated when compared to other employees in Thailand and not other employees who work in KFCs in other countries.

You are partially correct. YUM Restaurants International is a subsidiary of Yum Brands, inc which owns the KFC brand and whole lot of other US fast food names.

The parent company does bear some responsibility for the treatment of its workforce in Thailand.

TH

[Wallaby]

In any event, I'm off for some Red Rooster.

[cardholder]

In any event, I'm off for some Red Rooster.

I would start to worry when you see fried Wallaby on the menu !

[bonobo]

And we are back to square 1, circles in circles we go again.

They are not treated in any special bad way, if anything better then 50% of other thai business.

The sooner you realize that the better it would be!

KFC is a global franchise and all are supposed to be treated equally, according to the law of the land. You alluded to that earlier.

KFC Thailand staff are not treated the same as KFC in other countries. I have pointed that out ie: KFC in oz pays over minimum wage, KFC Thailand does not. Therefore, employees in KFC Thailand do not receive the same consideration, bonuses, benefits.

The sooner you realise this has nothing to do with what other employees in Thailand receive the better it would be.

What most people seem to be forgetting here is that KFC in Thailand is a separate company. It is not KFC, and the company is not the same as KFC in Australian, the US, or other places. "KFC" is a franchise, and except for company owned stores, each restaurant is owned by another company.

A company who wants to own a KFC pays KFC an initial franchise fee, then continuing fees. Usually, they have to buy their equipment from the franchiser, and often have to buy their food from them, too. In Thailand, the KFCs are all owned by YUM Restaurants International ( Thailand) Co.,Ltd and Central Restaurants Group Co., Ltd. In Australia, they are owned by KFC Australia Pty., Ltd and by numerous smaller franchisers.

So employees are not all "supposed to be treated equally" any more than a mechanic at the local Toyota dealer in Brisbane should be treated the same as a mechanic at the Korat Toyota dealer. So this does have everything to do with how KFC employees are treated when compared to other employees in Thailand and not other employees who work in KFCs in other countries.

You are partially correct. YUM Restaurants International is a subsidiary of Yum Brands, inc which owns the KFC brand and whole lot of other US fast food names.

The parent company does bear some responsibility for the treatment of its workforce in Thailand.

TH

Let me interject here. A subsidiary is not the parent company, nor is it required to act in the parent company's stead. Many subsidiaries are wholly independent, but all are subject to the local laws.

Yum in Thailand is a cooperative between two organizations and is the sole franchisee in Thailand, so whether Yum in the US owns shares in Yum Thailand does not have legal relevance here.

And for everyone who is comparing KFC in Thailand to KFC in Aus, well, most of the Aussie KFC's are owned by independent franchisees.

[overhaul38]

I would wait to see what the gov. rules.

How are they treated vs a Thai company i.e. PC foods? Maybe they should get a senior yellow shirt official on their board.

[overhaul38]

Kuffki, who are you? You call people who make 27 baht per hour, gold diggers? Travel allowance would be fair, if they take the bus, that is two hours work. The bus, bet you would take a taxi Kuffki, gold digger.

Travel allowance would be great but do Thai companies pay portal to portal? I have never worked for a company that pays portal to portal and I have had some very low, minimum salaries, so lets not do a comparison. The issue is fair treatment in THAILAND.

[overhaul38]

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

Point well-made.

I've always taken notice how I pay the same price for KFC chicken here as in the west. But shocked that employees here make less than 10% of KFC wages in the west.

Some fat cat is pocketing a huge profit margin on the backs of hapless employees who can barely afford the cheapest of BKK's dormitories and transportation beyond the "red bus."

Yes, capitalism at its worst.

You always have the option of leaving a tip.

[overhaul38]

Had to "Force" them to eat instant noodles? I call BS!

I also say BS. If a highly qualified, well trained, hard working person disagree with the pay and working conditions at their company they have the option of seeking employment elsewhere.

I hear they are looking for cashiers at Big C.

Everyone instantly starts comparing the situation to Australia and Europe and are highly outraged but when asked why they live in Thailand ONE of the main reasons is cheap labor.

A 200 baht massage, 100 baht taxi ride and lets not talk about the girls of the night.

[tropo]

I'm not sure what you mean. Companies take such good care so people would rather be on the dole? Surely it would be the other way around, they'd all want to work.

The real truth is that it doesn't matter how well you take care of KFC staff, nothing will keep staff from moving on. From a business point of view it just doesn't make a lot of sense to be paying staff more than the required minimum wage.

[tropo]

If you propose that people boycott KFC (presumably for poor staff working remuneration/conditions), who else should you boycott ?

Boycott your local go-go bar ?

Boycott the thousands of Thai businesses that have ridden rough-shod over workers rights ?

Just to be consistent you'd have to boycott nearly every single business in Thailand because I'm sure 99% of them pay the minimum wage or less. You'd be getting pretty hungry trying to find food which was produced without exploiting the low wage standard in Thailand.

[tropo]

No you are wrong on your points and your thinking.

KFC staff in oz are treated BETTER than the minimum allowable under our law. KFC Thailand are not treated better. You were the one that earlier stated it is a franchise and they treat workers under the law of each country. It is plain that they don't as some countries are treated above that law.

Meal allowance in oz is paid if doing overtime but they are still entitled to a meal during normal working hours. The meal allowance is over and above that entitlement.

I can tell you that in Brisbane public transport stops at about midnight so employees working after that time must find an alternative way home, therefore they are entitled to a taxi, if they have worked over 2 hours overtime.

However, you plainly did not understand what I have said. Even if there IS public transport the employee is entitled to a taxi if there is a danger in using the public transport.

You can argue that Brisbane is in the bush and not a real city if you like.

The place that I live has nothing to do with it. You could substitue oz for the UK, they get even more benefits with bonuses etc.

Which again shows that Thai staff are treated worse than staff in western countries.

I would not even worry if the price of KFC in Thailand was comparative to that in the west having concern for wages, but it isn't.

If you are happy to pay over the odds prices for KFC in Thailand whilst the employees are treated worse than western KFC employees, by comparison, then that is a matter for you.

I am not happy to do that.

I believe it is you who is thinking wrong.

The ONLY reason why KFC in Australia would be doing better than minimum wage (if this is true) is because it is very difficult to find Australians to work in menial jobs. They have to in order to get staff - it's that simple.

The reason for this is because Australians have a social security system which they can fall back on. It is very difficult to find Australians to do menial, low paid, shit jobs. The system has bred several generations of lazy people.

Thailand doesn't help unemployed so they are more likely to take on menial jobs at lower wages.

Rest assured, if KFC Oz could get away with paying less they would. There is nothing altruistic about their actions.

[Patronus]

If you propose that people boycott KFC (presumably for poor staff working remuneration/conditions), who else should you boycott ?

Boycott your local go-go bar ?

Boycott the thousands of Thai businesses that have ridden rough-shod over workers rights ?

Just to be consistent you'd have to boycott nearly every single business in Thailand because I'm sure 99% of them pay the minimum wage or less. You'd be getting pretty hungry trying to find food which was produced without exploiting the low wage standard in Thailand.

Exactly my point. This is Thailand and all businesses operate under Thai systems and laws.

[Wallaby]

If you propose that people boycott KFC (presumably for poor staff working remuneration/conditions), who else should you boycott ?

Boycott your local go-go bar ?

Boycott the thousands of Thai businesses that have ridden rough-shod over workers rights ?

Just to be consistent you'd have to boycott nearly every single business in Thailand because I'm sure 99% of them pay the minimum wage or less. You'd be getting pretty hungry trying to find food which was produced without exploiting the low wage standard in Thailand.

Exactly my point. This is Thailand and all businesses operate under Thai systems and laws.

No, only the ones that pay the minimum wage and charge at nearly western prices. If you are happy to pay more for a beer in a bar when the one next door is cheaper then that is up to you.

[tropo]

No, only the ones that pay the minimum wage and charge at nearly western prices. If you are happy to pay more for a beer in a bar when the one next door is cheaper then that is up to you.

KFC is KFC. There are no KFC's next door to KFC offering cheaper KFC.

Plenty of restaurants and franchises charge at "nearly western prices". Would you believe that I have to pay more than western prices for all the imported food I consume.... and I have to cook it myself.

Just stick to street vendors and you'll be fine.

[cardholder]

Exactly my point. This is Thailand and all businesses operate under Thai systems and laws.

No, only the ones that pay the minimum wage and charge at nearly western prices. If you are happy to pay more for a beer in a bar when the one next door is cheaper then that is up to you.

W - I fear you are using oranges and lemons for your comparison. I would willingly pay more for the beer next if was (a) not available at the adjacent bar and ( was a brew that I particularly liked.

KFC are still operating under the same rules but they are choosing to exploit (allegedly) a pricing structure that the customers seem willing to pay. If I were to pay such a premium for KFC it would only be occasionally and only if I had a particular desire for that style of food. I doubt Iwould accept the pricing on a regular basis.

Market forces will always dictate prices (see thread on Brand's chicken stock).

[Gonsalviz]

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.

It's Captain Bligh.

[Gonsalviz]

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 do not know how to boycott someplace I have never been not intend to go. Too much goo Thai food around.

[adam52]

Hope there no food contamnation

[adam52]

What's the Trade Union doing about it.There must be someone out there speaking for them.

[Ulysses G.]

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

Maybe he owns KFC.

[whatsupdoc]

No, only the ones that pay the minimum wage and charge at nearly western prices. If you are happy to pay more for a beer in a bar when the one next door is cheaper then that is up to you.

KFC is KFC. There are no KFC's next door to KFC offering cheaper KFC.

Plenty of restaurants and franchises charge at "nearly western prices". Would you believe that I have to pay more than western prices for all the imported food I consume.... and I have to cook it myself.

Just stick to street vendors and you'll be fine.

I don't think that KFC in Thailand imports chicken meat but you are certainly right that imported foods can be expensive in Thailand.

Comparing KFC with regular Thai restaurants and (let alone street vendors) is not really fair. KFC and other international franchises tend to be located at prime locations where rents and utility costs can be sky-high. Furthermore, fitting out such a restaurant usually costs a fortune as well.

Clearly these franchise restaurants have to charge higher to make up for the initial investment and running costs. Their staff cost is probably not the biggest expense (this in contrast to the West).

Thai or other restaurants at prime locations are always more expensive.

[sirchai]

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.

Where? :jap:

[Oberkommando]

This is Thailand and all businesses operate under Thai systems and laws.

Pure comedy genius.

[Ulysses G.]

I don't think that KFC in Thailand imports chicken meat but you are certainly right that imported foods can be expensive in Thailand.

Comparing KFC with regular Thai restaurants and (let alone street vendors) is not really fair. KFC and other international franchises tend to be located at prime locations where rents and utility costs can be sky-high. Furthermore, fitting out such a restaurant usually costs a fortune as well.

Clearly these franchise restaurants have to charge higher to make up for the initial investment and running costs. Their staff cost is probably not the biggest expense (this in contrast to the West).

Thai or other restaurants at prime locations are always more expensive.

Thoughtful post.

[kpmsprtd]

I recently spent two weeks in increasingly expensive Bangkok. During that time, I took a sabbatical from Thai Visa. I think I will take another sabbatical. While I am grateful to the few from whom I have learned so much, I wish to prevent the poisonous thoughts of the many from polluting my brain.

There are many here amongst us who like being Bwana, willing, happy, and proud to be carried about on a litter by the natives in the scorching heat. Your payback is coming, though, Bwana, as payback inevitably comes. Unfortunately, it will affect all of us, even the few from whom I have learned so much.

Thank you for your gifts, Bwana. To the natives, you have given your superior, condescending attitude, your satang, and your trinkets. And to me, your countryman, you have ensured that we will share the same fate on Payback Day.

I can already hear your protestations: "But I'm Bwana. You can't do this to me. I have money..."

[Ulysses G.]

You could go home and be a peon.

[kuffki]

I recently spent two weeks in increasingly expensive Bangkok. During that time, I took a sabbatical from Thai Visa. I think I will take another sabbatical. While I am grateful to the few from whom I have learned so much, I wish to prevent the poisonous thoughts of the many from polluting my brain.

There are many here amongst us who like being Bwana, willing, happy, and proud to be carried about on a litter by the natives in the scorching heat. Your payback is coming, though, Bwana, as payback inevitably comes. Unfortunately, it will affect all of us, even the few from whom I have learned so much.

Thank you for your gifts, Bwana. To the natives, you have given your superior, condescending attitude, your satang, and your trinkets. And to me, your countryman, you have ensured that we will share the same fate on Payback Day.

I can already hear your protestations: "But I'm Bwana. You can't do this to me. I have money..."

HUH?

[FOODLOVER]

I recently spent two weeks in increasingly expensive Bangkok. During that time, I took a sabbatical from Thai Visa. I think I will take another sabbatical. While I am grateful to the few from whom I have learned so much, I wish to prevent the poisonous thoughts of the many from polluting my brain.

There are many here amongst us who like being Bwana, willing, happy, and proud to be carried about on a litter by the natives in the scorching heat. Your payback is coming, though, Bwana, as payback inevitably comes. Unfortunately, it will affect all of us, even the few from whom I have learned so much.

Thank you for your gifts, Bwana. To the natives, you have given your superior, condescending attitude, your satang, and your trinkets. And to me, your countryman, you have ensured that we will share the same fate on Payback Day.

I can already hear your protestations: "But I'm Bwana. You can't do this to me. I have money..."

Bwana was Tarzans friend in the jungle, right? He had money? Did Jane know? What about the monkey, Cheeta. Is Bwana hooking him up as well. Do tell.

[tropo]

No, only the ones that pay the minimum wage and charge at nearly western prices. If you are happy to pay more for a beer in a bar when the one next door is cheaper then that is up to you.

KFC is KFC. There are no KFC's next door to KFC offering cheaper KFC.

Plenty of restaurants and franchises charge at "nearly western prices". Would you believe that I have to pay more than western prices for all the imported food I consume.... and I have to cook it myself.

Just stick to street vendors and you'll be fine.

I don't think that KFC in Thailand imports chicken meat but you are certainly right that imported foods can be expensive in Thailand.

Comparing KFC with regular Thai restaurants and (let alone street vendors) is not really fair. KFC and other international franchises tend to be located at prime locations where rents and utility costs can be sky-high. Furthermore, fitting out such a restaurant usually costs a fortune as well.

Clearly these franchise restaurants have to charge higher to make up for the initial investment and running costs. Their staff cost is probably not the biggest expense (this in contrast to the West).

Thai or other restaurants at prime locations are always more expensive.

Not to mention franchise fees and royalties.

The whole concept is built on the "11 secret herbs and spices". As long as people enjoy this secret recipe they'll be in business. These secret ingredients really used to appeal to me 30 years ago. I cant figure out if I've lost my taste for them or they have changed but I just can't get the same "finger licking good" experience from it these days.

[tropo]

I recently spent two weeks in increasingly expensive Bangkok. During that time, I took a sabbatical from Thai Visa. I think I will take another sabbatical. While I am grateful to the few from whom I have learned so much, I wish to prevent the poisonous thoughts of the many from polluting my brain.

You're talking about it as though you'll be missed. If you don't like it here, don't visit - take a permanent "sabbatical". How simple can that be?