In accordance with the 14th IUF Asia/Pacific Regional Conference’s Decision No.15 “Organizing Power in the Food Services Sector”, IUF Asia/Pacific is committed to build union strength in restaurants, fast food, coffee shops, catering, and food delivery services and campaigning for better wages and conditions that recognize the value of the work of Food Services workers.
As part of the initiative, IUF Asia/Pacific supports the self-organized Chiang Mai Barista Union in Thailand. In May 2024, the newly formed Chiang Mai Barista Union, organized their first ever International Workers’ Day rally to raise their collective demands of better wages and working conditions. Messages like “Fair wages for fair work” and “Minimum wage, not minimum standards” resonated with the public as well.
IUF Asis-Pacific supported the young workers in amplifying their demands. Access to simple resources, such as placards, paint, and brushes, proved vital, empowering the young baristas to express their perspectives on workers’ rights through impactful signage.
Furthermore, the Barista Union collaborated with the Northern Labor Network and other civil society organizations. Together, they submitted a petition to Chiang Mai’s Mayor and Provincial Governor advocating for an increase in the minimum wage. They collectively marched through the city’s historic old town, culminating at Tha Phrae Gate for a public demonstration.
Around 200 workers, mostly young workers, marched through the city of Chiang Mai in a landmark rally of food services workers.
Doi, a founding member of the Barista Union, delivered a speech on behalf of the Northern Labor Network. His message underscores the potential of unions to empower young workers and improve working conditions within Chiang Mai’s service industry.
Doi addressing the rally and speaking on importance of unionizing
Moreover, Doi specifically acknowledged the crucial support provided by IUF Asia Pacific. This assistance facilitated the union’s first large-scale member mobilization, solidifying its organizational structure.
This is a significant step by the youth to build union strength and to ensure that food service jobs are good, safe jobs that provide decent incomes for workers and their families now and in the future.
