By Kevin James Moore
 |
| Rice paddy farmers, such as this one in Vietnam, are suffering heavy losses as a result of the economic crisis. (Photo credit: Creative Commons) |
A drop in foreign direct investment, decreased production levels, increased business bankruptcies, and rising unemployment lead to a lower gross domestic product (GDP) in Asia last year, according to Ashvin Dayal, managing director for the Rockefeller Foundation’s Asia office. Policy-makers, civil society organizations, and businesses are trying to address the negative social impacts of the crisis. Dayal told MediaGlobal, “In Thailand and Vietnam, limited government and civil society services and inadequate social safety nets mean fewer options for offsetting the negative impact of the economic crisis, particularly on the most affected groups.”
The Asia Foundation’s Labor Crisis Center opened on 1 March in Bangkok, Thailand. The center will assist the most vulnerable workers that need help with legal cases and welfare. Services provided by the center will range from counseling workers that have been laid off, pro bono legal aid, economic and social support grants, and training. “The Labor Crisis Center will provide assistance to workers who are not currently being helped by existing service providers,” said Dayal.
The legal aid the center will provide is crucial to many workers who have been wrongfully dismissed. Dayal explained that workers have been laid off with little or no compensation and in other cases workers have been forced to leave by employers. “Workers who have lost their jobs often lack the necessary education and resources needed to seek legal assistance; as many live hand-to-mouth, they do not have the extra finances or time that would enable them to fight for their rights,” said Dayal.
The crisis center has already undertaken 16 cases of workers who have been taken advantage of by employers. Legal cases from the center will be used to establish critical reforms that will provide protection for workers in future economic downturns, said Dayal.
The Labor Crisis Center is only part of the Asia Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation’s project to alleviate poverty in Thailand and Vietnam. “Through this project, we want to implement innovative and sustainable responses to the needs of urban poor and migrant communities, at the same time strengthen the relevant civil society organizations through networking, information-exchanges, and related opportunities,” said Dayal.
Healthcare and education for children has become less accessible to migrant workers in Vietnam as a result of the economic crisis. “In this project, the Asia Foundation is working with a selected number of civil society organizations in Vietnam committed to ensuring that migrant workers and the urban poor are aware of their legal and labor rights, and can access available public services,” said Dayal. In addition to access to healthcare and education, these services will provide vocational training and other employment opportunities.
Migrant workers in Vietnam are facing more difficulties due to the financial crisis. These workers have generally contributed to Vietnam’s economic growth, but civil society organizations in Vietnam cannot provide aid to the migrant workers alone. Dayal explained, “the Asia Foundation is working with a selected number of [civil society organizations] in Vietnam committed to ensuring that migrant workers and the urban poor are aware of their legal and labor rights, and can access available public services.” The Asia Foundation plans to help local organizations develop more stable rural employment opportunities that will provide a safety net for workers and act as a source for long-term jobs, explained Dayal.
The economic crisis has exposed weaknesses in Vietnam and Thailand’s ability to handle the needs of their most vulnerable people. The goal for the Asia Foundation’s project is to establish “innovative and sustainable responses to the needs of urban poor and migrant communities.” Dayal said they also plan to “strengthen the relevant civil society organizations through networking, information-exchanges, and related opportunities.” Even though there are encouraging signs of economic recovery there is still a need for new responses as traditional community coping mechanisms are under a great strain, explained Dayal.
