Unlawful Withholding of Wages at Body Fashion
In the heart of Thailand's bustling textile industry, a group of workers find themselves embroiled in a prolonged battle for their unpaid wages. Body Fashion, a local clothing manufacturer, owes approximately 6.4 million Euros in outstanding wages, severance, and interest to around 900 workers, according to recent reports.
Among the affected workers are Jaruwan Karak and her husband, who are owed a total of approximately 39,280 Euros. Prasit Koedphithak, another former employee, worked for Body Fashion for 22 years and is now in debt due to borrowing money after her dismissal. She owes Robert Ng, a Malaysian businessman known for his complex and opaque business network, approximately 18,977 euros.
Despite several Thai court rulings in favour of the workers, Ng refuses to pay. This has left many workers, including the Karak family, in dire straits. They have had to borrow money from banks and loan sharks, and have even lost their car and house due to financial difficulties.
The situation has sparked criticism from various quarters. Gertrude Klaffenböck of Südwind Austria finds it shocking that Huber's management and supervisory board do not take responsibility or draw consequences for Ng's wage theft. Nova, a Thai labour rights organisation, criticises Austrian and German retailers Otto, Peek & Cloppenburg, Galeria, and Zalando for their moral indifference towards wage theft at Body Fashion.
Global brands like Amazon, Nordstrom, Marks & Spencer, Next, and Victoria's Secret have done business with companies controlled by Robert Ng. However, there are no credible search results or verified reports linking these brands or individuals to any wage theft or unpaid wages controversy. It is important to note that no verifiable evidence appears in the search results regarding this issue involving these brands or individuals.
David Welsh, country director of the Solidarity Center in Thailand, emphasises the need to hold the global apparel supply chain accountable for their responsibilities. He urges retailers to ensure that their suppliers adhere to labour laws and pay their workers fairly.
Prasit Koedphithak sees no future for herself. She laments that despite her years of service, she is left with nothing but debt and despair. The plight of these workers serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the global apparel industry.
Financial troubles persist for Prasit Koedphithak, a former Body Fashion employee, as she owes 18,977 Euros to Malaysian businessman Robert Ng, due to borrowed money after her dismissal. Furthermore, Jaruwan Karak and her husband are in debt, owed approximately 39,280 Euros by Body Fashion, despite several Thai court rulings in their favor. This situation highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the global business and finance sectors, particularly within the apparel industry.
