Tailandia - Unions not on the menu at KFC (2012)

In May, Yum Restaurants International (Thailand) Co (YRI), the operator of the KFC fast food chain dismissed Ms. Apantree Charoensak, Mr. Krit Suangaranan and Ms. Siwaporn Somjit who were instrumental in the formation of a union at YRI. Shortly after the Thai Ministry of Labour approved the registration of the Cuisine and Services Thailand Workers Union at YRI, the company dismissed the three union leaders. After the dismissal of the three leaders, YRI intimidated and harassed the remaining YRI workers to get them to withdraw their support for the union. On 6 July, Apantree, Krit and Siwaporn filed a complaint with the Labour Relations Commission alleging that YRI illegally dismissed them because of their union activity. On 8 December, YRI reinstated the three labour leaders in compliance with a court order. YRI is appealing the reinstatement order.