Bangkok: Myanmar workers on a gas drilling platform operated by Thailand’s PTT Exploration and Production Company (PTTEP), allege they are unfairly treated receiving far lower salaries than their Thai counterparts.
The Zawtika Offshore Oil and Natural Gas Workers Association raised the issue in a statement alleging PTTEP unfairly discriminates against Myanmar workers at the Zawtika offshore project site. A spokesman for the association said Thai workers’ salaries are seven or eight times more than Myanmar workers’ salaries.
PTTEP launched the Zawtika offshore oil and natural gas project in the Gulf of Martaban under a joint venture with Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise in 2013. Currently there are 38 Myanmar workers at the project.
“The company made one-sided contracts with the Myanmar workers, and repeatedly violated its pledges on wage increases. Therefore, Myanmar workers have repeatedly demanded their rights, although the company did not make any response,” the association said.
The association urged the company to enter into negotiations within 72 hours.
