Employers favor unmarried women because they are easier to exploit and to dismiss and because employers want to avoid giving paid maternity leave. Job applicants are still asked if they are married. Often, if new workers, who are recognized under law as regular employees only after a four-month probation period, became pregnant, they are fired. In the footwear industry, male laborers usually work in outer sole production which requires lifting heavy molds and pressing hot rubber.
Men also work in cutting and packing.
Thus, male workers generally earn more than female workers. Some women apply to work in these areas, so that they can earn higher wages. Because of the heavier work involved Siam Unisole employs a greater ratio of men to women. Siam Unisole employees in the stitching line. This photograph was taken after the introduction of personal protective equipment.