LED company to protect workers' rights with union info booklets

LED company to protect workers' rights with union info booklets

Dominant Semiconductors Laos yesterday received booklets from the Lao Federation of Trade Unions to distribute among its employees that set out what rights and protections they have in the workplace.

The company requested the booklets, which clearly explain the regulations governing workplace rights, in a bid to improve its human resource development and better protect its staff.

The books were presented by the federation's Labour Protection Department Deputy Director, Mr Samanxay Khanthanuxay, and received by the company's Senior Human Resource Executive, Mr Noynith Chanthamith. Dominant Semiconductors employees and federation officials also attended.

The booklets are designed to give workers a better understanding of Laos' labour law and the role of the federation. They explain what rights workers have in the workplace, as well as their duties and responsibilities.

Good protections for workers are vital to the continuing sustainable growth of the company.

Mr Samanxay said numerous companies had accepted booklets but many had not yet requested them because they did not place much importance on workers' rights.

The federation will continue to encourage every company in Laos to get copies of the booklet and distribute them to staff.

Mr Samanxay said it was important to lift Laos' workplace standards ahead of the impending economic integration with Asean.

A high number of Lao workers do not have their rights upheld at work, partly due to a lack of understanding about the protections they are entitled to under the law. Many Lao people work very hard but earn very low incomes.

Dominant Semiconductors currently employs 270 people along with six foreign technicians. This year its staff will grow to around 500, Mr Noynith said.

Mr Noynith said his company had always focused on developing labour skills, citing an example of when 100 workers were sent to train overseas for six months in 2010. A further 50 workers trained overseas in 2013.

“The company also sent employees to train within the country at vocational training centres. We also invited some experts to train at the company,” he said.

The company is now trying to become a member of the International Organisation for Standardisation.

Dominant Semiconductors was the first company to open a business producing light emitting diodes (LEDs) in Laos. Its high-tech production methods are environmentally friendly and use very little electricity.

The company was founded in October, 2011. It is based in Chanthabuly district, Vientiane. The local office is a branch of Malaysian company DOMINANT Opto Technologies.

vientiane times