On March 3, 2025, barista workers in Chiang Mai sought assistance from the Barista Labor Union regarding unpaid wages that had been delayed for two months. The union took on the case and provided guidance. It was later discovered that, in addition to withholding wages, the employer had been paying a wage lower than the legal requirement.
Later on March 7, the Barista Labor Union, together with the affected workers, submitted complaints to the Provincial Office of Labor Welfare and Protection. The complaints were divided into two cases: the two-month unpaid wages and the claim for compensation for wages that had been paid below the legal standard over the past year.
With assistance from the Barista Union, the workers thoroughly prepared evidence and documentation. As a result, they swiftly received their unpaid wages from the employer—just one day after submitting the complaint.
However, regarding the claim for compensation for wages paid below the legal standard, the employer attempted to negotiate with the workers, despite previously avoiding their concerns. The Barista Labor Union advised the workers to stand firm on their original claim, emphasizing that the compensation sought was their rightful entitlement and not excessive.
The workers stood firm on their demand, and on March 19, the Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Labor Welfare and Protection issued an order requiring the employer to pay the full amount of compensation claimed.
This marks a significant victory for the Chiang Mai Barista Labor Union, showcasing their ability to protect and support workers against wage theft effectively. It also underscores the importance of unions as supportive allies who share resources, knowledge, and empathy—allowing us to take care of one another and tackle injustice better.
The Barista Labor Union of Chiangmai assisted the barista worker in submitting the complaint at the Provincial Office of Labor Welfare and Protection.
Members of the Barista Labor Union of Chiangmai