Measures taken to control the spread of coronavirus in Thaliand have hit informal workers the hardest.
Workers like street vendors, motorcycle taxi drivers, domestic workers, and home-based workers are taking health risks everyday to keep working and support their families. Their small businesses are suffering huge economic losses: Many report earning 20% or less of their pre-COVID-19 income. Some have lost their jobs totally, and some are spending extra to purchase personal protective equipement.
These are extremely difficult times. Please share whatever you can!
HomeNet Foundation and the Federation of Informal Workers are collecting donations to help their members cope with this crisis. Funds will be used to purchase an essential food packet worth 300 THB (about 9 dollars), which can support a 3-person family for one week. For those with the greatest need, we will provide 2 packets (600 THB). Our goal is to reach at least1000 workers and their families.
A huge thanks to all of the supporters of this campaign. Since the beginning of COVID, the Federation of Informal Workers has:
Distributed nearly 3,000 survival bags (including dry food, cloth masks, and sanitizer) to members in Bangkok and other regions of Thailand
Facilitated vaccine access for 300 FIT members, including for migrant domestic workers who were ineligible for government vaccination.
Opened a “help line” to support members access COVID tests or health care
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has continued to devastate informal workers and their families, particularly during the catastrophic Delta wave in mid-2021, when conditions further detoriorated. We will keep supporters informed about the progress of this campaign and any further steps you can take to support FIT and its members. Thank you!