by IUF Asia/Pacific | May 8, 2025 | English language, Food Service Workers, Our Members, Our Union Our Power
Members of the independent union and workers at one of largest fast-food restaurant specializing in flame-broiled burger, Burger King, are welcoming more and more secure employment at their restaurant in Indonesia. The wins are the result of Burger King union, who is a member union of IUF affiliated-Federation of Hotel, Restaurant, Plaza, Apartment, Catering, and Tourism Workers’ Free Union (FSPM), commitment in campaigning and advocating for a better and decent jobs in the sector.
Established during COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020, union members realized the importance of their job in keeping people fed during the public health restrictions, thus making them essential. The reality of their importance and skills are not compensated with decent wages and safe workplace, encouraged them form a union to begin advancing their rights.
Education and training on workers rights and trade unionism for Burger King union members.
The use of many precarious workers, in daily and contractual arrangements, making these workers being easily to be laid off. Often fast-food and restaurant workers live under uncertainty while their families are relying fully on them. As members understand about their rights through the education and training provided by FSPM, union is challenging the common system in the sector and making permanent employment as their priority.
Burger King union meeting.
Through secure employment, workers can gain more access to health and employment protection and other rights such as maternity leave that is supposed to be the rights of every women worker.
In 2021, the year after their establishment, union fought for the reinstatement of 11 contract workers whose employment were terminated using the reason of sales and pandemic situations. Negotiations initiated by the union had successfully led to a joint commitment with management to get these 11 workers back to work and appointed as permanent. Especially during that time of crisis, it was difficult to imagine to achieve this kind of win when there is no union.
The union at Burger King continuously showing their commitment by campaigning for more and more. In late 2023, another 20 daily workers secured their permanent employment. The union struggle continues as the management of the globally recognized fast-food chain agrees to have one voice to improve the situations of workers at their restaurant. Other union victory to minimize any termination by negotiating option for 4 union leaders to be transferred to another store when then were stores closures in 2024 become the example. More and more, the union is waiting for another implementation of the commitment.
Union secured an agreement with management.
The success achieved by the Burger King union in Indonesia demonstrates that collectively, through union, a better jobs that lead to a better future for fast-food restaurant workers is possible. A better job where their skills are respected and their importance is recognized.
by IUF Asia/Pacific | Apr 30, 2025 | Education & Training, Hotel & Tourism Sector, Our Union Our Power
The IUF Asia/Pacific conducted an organizing and building collective power training with IUF-affiliated Tourism Employees Association of Maldives [TEAM] members in the Maldives from April 24–26, 2025. The training was attended by 27 active union members and leaders, including migrant workers from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. The training was led by Brother Galih Tri Panjalu and Brother Rival Yunaldi from the IUF-affiliated Federation of Hotel, Restaurant, Plaza, Apartment, Catering and Tourism Workers’ Free Union [FSPM] in Indonesia.
The three-day training focused on organizing workers and strengthening collective power in resorts and villas operated by the Minor Group in the Maldives. The Minor Group operates nine resorts and villas in the Maldives, as well as major international restaurant chains such as Burger King, Dairy Queen, The Coffee Club, and The Pizza Company. Globally, the group manages 562 hotels in 66 countries and plans to expand to 848 hotels and resorts by 2027, including new developments in Japan and the United States.
TEAM presenting their workplace mapping including the current union density
The training included strategies for organizing union members across all nine properties and increasing union density. Workers in island resorts face unique challenges, as each resort is located on its own island, and workers typically live on the property for extended periods. This makes it difficult to reach workers and carry out union activities, requiring an effective communication and coordination strategy. One of the main demands of workers is two days off each week, so they can meet their families.
Brother Galih Pranjula, General Secretary of FSPM sharing their organizing strategies
Brother Galih and Bro. Rival shared FSPM’s experience organizing hotel workers and increasing union density through internal as well as external organizing, including workplace mapping, building contacts, anticipating and addressing workers’ responses, and maintaining a union database, planning and regular evaluation strategies.
TEAM General Secretary, Brother Mauroof
“All workers in Minor Group resorts have contributed to the company’s profits, since the first resort opened in 2006 —now it’s time for all the workers to organize and fight for their rights. The new Industrial Relation Act that unions fought for provides an opportunity to strengthen resort workers rights in the Maldives” added TEAM General Secretary, Brother Mauroof Zakir.
TEAM members discussing department wise union density and organizing strategies.
FSPM also shared their experience in drafting collective bargaining proposals and the bargaining process that ensure trade union and workers’ rights, which would result in the first ever Collective Bargaining Agreement in the Maldives under the new Industrial Relations Act, which came into effect in 2024.
The training resulted in an effective communication and co-ordination within the organizing teams at the resorts and campaign planning for an effective collective bargaining.
by IUF Asia/Pacific | Apr 17, 2025 | Food Service Workers, Our Union Our Power
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
by IUF Asia/Pacific | Apr 17, 2025 | ภาษาไทย Thai, Food Service Workers, Our Union Our Power
เมื่อวันที่ 3 มีนาคม 2568 มีแรงงานบาริสต้าในจังหวัดเชียงใหม่ เข้าปรึกษาสหภาพแรงงานบาริสต้า กรณีนายจ้างค้างชำระค่าจ้างเป็นเวลา 2 เดือน สหภาพแรงงานบาริสต้ารับเรื่อง และเข้าสู่กระบวนการรับฟังและให้คำปรึกษา ต่อมาพบว่า นอกจากนายจ้างจะค้างค่าจ้างแล้ว ยังจ่ายค่าแรงในอัตราที่ต่ำกว่ากฎหมายกำหนดอีกด้วย
ต่อมาในวันที่ 7 มีนาคม สหภาพแรงงานบาริสต้าและแรงงานดังกล่าวได้เดินทางไปยื่นเรื่องร้องเรียนแก่สำนักงานสวัสดิการและคุ้มครองแรงงานจังหวัดเชียงใหม่ โดยแบ่งออกเป็นสองกรณี ได้แก่ การค้างชำระค่าจ้างสองเดือน และ การเรียกร้องค่าชดเชยค่าแรงที่ต่ำกว่ากฎหมายกำหนด ย้อนหลังหนึ่งปี
ด้วยความพร้อมในการเตรียมตัวด้านหลักฐาน และเอกสารการยื่นคำร้อง จากความช่วยเหลือจากสหภาพแรงงานบาริสต้า ทำให้แรงงานได้รับค่าจ้างค้างชำระจากนายจ้างอย่างรวดเร็ว โดยใช้เวลาเพียง 1 วันหลังจากที่ยื่นเรื่องเท่านั้น
อย่างไรก็ตาม ในการเรียกร้องค่าชดเชยการจ่ายค่าจ้างต่ำกว่าที่กฎหมายกำหนด นายจ้างได้ติดต่อแรงงานเพื่อขอต่อรอง ทั้งที่ก่อนหน้านี้บ่ายเบี่ยงที่จะให้คำตอบแก่แรงงานมาตลอด
สหภาพแรงงานบาริสต้าแนะนำให้แรงงานยืนยันในจำนวนค่าชดเชยที่เรียกร้องไปเพราะถือเป็นสิทธิที่แรงงานพึงได้รับ ไม่ถือว่าเป็นการเรียกร้องเกินกว่าเหตุ แรงงานจึงได้ยืนยันในค่าชดเชยดังเดิม ในวันที่ 19 มีนาคม สำนักงานสวัสดิการและคุ้มครองแรงงานจังหวัดเชียงได้ออกคำสั่งแก่นายจ้างให้จ่ายค่าชดเชยแก่แรงงานตามจำนวนเงินที่เรียกร้องไปทั้งหมด
ถือเป็นชัยชนะที่สำคัญของสหภาพแรงงานบาริสต้าเชียงใหม่ที่สามารถปกป้อง และช่วยเหลือแรงงานจากการถูกขโมยค่าจ้างได้สำเร็จ ย้ำเตือนให้เห็นถึงความสำคัญของสหภาพแรงงานที่เปรียบเสมือนการมีเพื่อนที่คอยช่วยเหลือและแบ่งปันทรัพยากรต่างๆ ความรู้ความเข้าใจ ทำให้เราดูแลกันได้มากขึ้น และรับมือกับความอยุติธรรมได้ดีมากขึ้น
สหภาพแรงงานบาริสต้าเชียงใหม่ช่วยเหลือแรงงานในการยื่นหนังสือร้องเรียนที่สำนักงานสวัสดิการและคุ้มครองแรงงานเชียงใหม่
สมาชิกสหภาพแรงงานบาริสต้าเชียงใหม่
by IUF Asia/Pacific | Mar 9, 2025 | Just Transitions, Our Union Our Power, Youth in Unions
On February 22, 2025, youth from IUF-affiliated unions; National Union of Hospitality, Catering and Tourism Industries Employees [NUHCTIE] and National Union of Workers [NUW] in Fiji and Vanuatu National Workers Union and Workers Union of Solomon Islands participated in the IUF Asia/Pacific Youth Meeting in Nadi focused on strengthening youth involvement in unions across the Pacific.
The meeting brought together young workers from the food processing, beverage manufacturing, and hotel and tourism sectors to share strategies for organizing youth in unions and the challenges they face.
The focus of the meeting was understanding the social psychology of youth in unions—why youth join the union, what keeps them engaged, what makes them decide to stay in the union and how to increase their participation.
Members discussing what kind of youth space does youth need, how to build it and how to increase and maintain it.
Young workers highlighted the role of compassion and solidarity in their decision to become and remain union members. They received support and solidarity from the union when they joined, including protection from unfair termination, access to maternity leave after previously being denied, and protection from exploitation under traineeship programs.
Many expressed a strong commitment to encouraging more youth to join and benefit from union support.
Young workers then discussed creating a youth space within the union—a space that has Aman (an Indonesian term meaning free from danger and feeling at ease, without fear or worry) and Nyaman (a state of feeling safe and less stressed). When youth create their own space as they need, they will have a place where they can be comfortable—a place that has Aman and Nyaman, a space made by youth, for youth.
Members discussing building effective youth space.
The focus was also on the skills that youth would need for secure employment in just transitions; changes in the workplace due to automation, new technologies and digitalization and due to green policies of the companies and governments.
The meeting also launched a petition to stop racism and bullying in the workplace in the lead up to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. This day commemorates the Sharpville massacre under apartheid in South Africa in 1960.
Indigenous and First Nation workers, workers of colour and those from diverse racial, ethnic, and national backgrounds frequently encounter exclusion, abuse and undue scrutiny. This creates an environment of discrimination, fear, and psychological harm, severely undermining the dignity, mental health, and well-being of workers.
Members signing the petition and sharing the experience of facing racism and bullying at the workplace.
Workers of colour experience racism in the workplace not only as barriers to better jobs and promotions, but through various kinds of bullying designed to make them feel unwelcome and ashamed. Common forms of workplace racism include ridicule, being spoken to or treated like children and verbal abuse, resulting in detrimental impact on self-esteem, cultural identity, workplace burn-out and emotional distress.
The petition calls for the United Nation through its agencies to initiate urgent and comprehensive action by governments and employers required to prevent racism and bullying in the workplace essential to ensuring a safe workplace for workers and to address one of the fundamental causes of depression and mental health issues in the workplace.
Social psychology of youth in union – what makes them join and decide to stay in the union.
Members discussing building effective youth space.
by IUF Asia/Pacific | Mar 8, 2025 | English language, Hotel & Tourism Sector, Our Union Our Power, Sustainable Tourism
On February 20-21, 2025, unions of hospitality and tourism workers across Asia and Pacific region met in Nadi, Fiji to discuss the important update and key issues around the sector. Focusing more on the challenges of island countries and to strengthen the trade unions in Pacific regions, the meeting brought together unions from Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Japan, Hong Kong, Maldives, The Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
The meeting began with the update on the current state of hospitality and tourism industry in Asia and Pacific region to provide the unions some insight on tourism trends and projection. The plans of major tourism operators in the region and relationship with international hotel chains like Accor was highlighted. This update is important for the unions to formulate their next campaign and organizing strategy.
Sister Asuka Sakurada from Service-Tourism Rengo explained about the current situation of hospitality and tourism workers in Japan.
The unions also shared the information and experience on the common challenges that they face. They learned from each other on how to respond on these challenges. One common thing about the unions is that they are all rebuilding their union post pandemic crisis. When talking about working situations at hospitality and tourism industry, unions agreed that combating precarious employment and unsafe working conditions as well as improving workers welfare should be priority. The important concept of union density was demonstrated to show the importance of being organized to strengthen union collective bargaining power.
Some challenges in tourism recovery and growth were discussed. Overtourism and labor shortages became the main topics that were talked about. Organizing through job skills training was said to be the solution to address issues of the lack of skilled workers in the industry and to introduce youth into the union. The need to transform the job in the industry to become a better job was discussed to attract more people to work in the sector to overcome workforce shortages.
The input from Regional Hotel & Tourism Workers’ Meeting will be incorporated in the planning for the 15th IUF Asia/Pacific Regional Conference in 2026.
The Global Housekeeping Campaign (GHC) was explained to participants as one of a tool to achieve a safe and decent working condition for all hospitality workers, especially housekeepers. Campaign on ‘room quota kills’ and several activities around it, including the making bed and towel folding competition was shared by National Union of Workers in Hotels, Restaurants and Allied Industries (NUHWRAIN) of The Philippines. It was agreed by the participants that housekeeper jobs are skilled, thus need to be compensated with decent wages and decent working conditions.
Furthermore, to promote the safety, wellbeing and dignity of hotel workers, the meeting recommended a policy to respect hotel workers that is applied for every participants/delegates in every IUF Asia/Pacific activity. The policy highlighted the importance of ending harassment towards hotel workers that are done through imposing unreasonable demands or malicious complaints that undermine their dignity.
Brother Michael Young from NUCHTIE described the challenges in organizing in island resort in term of geographical, financial and time.
Challenges and strategies in organizing in island resorts, especially in the private island one, were explained by the National Union of Hotel, Catering, and Tourism Employees (NUHCTIE) of Fiji and the Tourism Employees Association of Maldives (TEAM). It was highlighted that collective agreement articles that include accommodation and boat transfer is very important. Specific challenges on organizing foreign workers in a hotel or resort in a remote area was also a discussion as the union commit to combat exploitation of these workers due to their vulnerability.
As the Pacific unions shared about the uniqueness of tourism in their countries, concern over climate change and its impact on workers were highlighted. It was emphasized that the right of livelihood and health and safety of hospitality and tourism workers must be protected during climate crisis. Union should negotiate climate clauses in their collective bargaining agreement to reduce workers anxiety. Some important element such as union involvement, comprehensive information, education and recognition of green skills should be the attention.
Sister Tulia Wanemut from Vanuatu National Workers Union shared about the extreme weather events occur in her country due to climate change.
The meeting was concluded by the Federation of Hotel, Restaurant, Plaza, Apartment, Catering and Tourism Workers’ Free Union (FSPM) of Indonesia presentation on new organizing initiative in rebuilding membership, namely expanding into workers in informal economy, such as tour guide, souvenir sellers and tour driver. Through this sharing, participants learned that they can explore new strategies by organizing workers outside hotel and resorts.
As there is a need to recover to build better future, these unions of hospitality and tourism workers learn one thing in their struggle – there is nothing more important than having a union in the time of crisis.
Participants formed study circle to learn more about collective bargaining agreement, Global House Keeping Campaign (GHC), new organizing and campaign to stop harassment and abuse by customer.
