The labour union of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) yesterday urged City Hall to clear up ambiguity about its plan to transfer the BMTA from the Transport Ministry's jurisdiction to its own.
Union president Weerapong Wongwaen met with Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra, yesterday to ask about the progress of the transfer plan. He also raised concerns over the welfare of BMTA personnel after the transfer takes place.
The union submitted a letter to Transport Minister Prajin Juntong in September, but did not receive a clear answer.
Mr Weerawong said the BMTA staff members are worried about new conditions after the transfer, in particular whether workers will maintain the benefits associated with being employed by a state enterprise.
"If transferred to other ministries or to City Hall, the organisation must still be a state enterprise," Mr Weerawong said.
In addition, the union raised concerns about passenger safety, given that the most of the buses are in disrepair.
The union vented its frustration over a long delay in appointing a director and deputy. It has long been administered by acting leadership.
MR Sukhumbhand said there is no clear decision by the government about the transfer. Though the BMTA transfer plan has long been discussed, there are some issues that must be resolved, including what to do with the agency's huge debts.