After the workers of Trim International Co, Ltd., in Nakornrachsima have submitted their demands calling for the employer to comply with the labour laws and provide workers with transportation to their work place as well as 300 baht monthly allowance for pregnant workers two months before the maternity leave, the British owner ,Mr. Joseph Sprint Torrance, has persistently insisted not to accept the demands. Moreover, the employer has, during the legal process of negotiation and conciliation, on various charges terminated the employment of 13 workers� core leaders and the others who were engaged in the submission of demands. The employer also effected a lock-out which was limited to only 75 workers on February 6, 2005. The situation has prompted 150 workers who were led by the Democratic Unions� Alliance to march to the Government House in order to submit a letter of protest to the Prime Minister. They chained themselves to the fence of the Government House declaring their firm intention not to leave until the government steps in to settle the dispute. A sarcastic play was performed to reflect the situation how the officials of the Labour Ministry cooperated with the Britist capiatlist to exploit Trim workers. The play was so touching that the audience including policemen and journalists were all in tears.

Since the CCC's original request for action in relation to this case, there has not been substantial progress made o­n the part of the companies involved in addressing the workers demands. Therefore at this time the CCC is calling for increased action o­n this case.Since the last update, o­ne of the workers, Mr. Pragun Boomluom, was transferred back to his original post at the factory, while Ms. Mala Phosit, o­ne of the three activists who was dismissed, was forced to accept severance pay from the factory due to her desperate financial situation.

Once demands were put forth to employers to observe the labour laws and to provide a monthly payment of 300 baht for a pregnant female employee, workers in Korat have been subjected to harrassment in various forms.The Ministry of Labour is being implored to ensure that workers' rights are properly protected.