Thai metalworkers unite to get stronger
THAILAND: 35 participants, mostly leaders of IMF affiliate TEAM and the group of unions called Automobile Labour Congress of Thailand (ALCT), attended the IMF workshop on union building and organizing. The aim of the workshop was to forge closer cooperation, teamwork and understanding between these two unions.
Chalee Loysong, President of TEAM called upon the leadership of both unions to bury the hatchet and close ranks in the larger interest of the Thai labour movement. He stressed the need to build and safeguard unity and solidarity of workers which is lacking in the trade union movement in Thailand. He also spoke about the process of creation of a new Global Union Federation between the IMF, ICEM and ITGLWF.
Yongyuth Mentapao, General Secretary of TEAM thanked the IMF for initiating the unification process. He highlighted the progressive results of the numerous meetings between TEAM and ALCT which brought the two former rivals to the idea to unify the Thai metalworkers.
In his opening remarks IMF Regional Representative Arunasalam. P, urged TEAM and ALCT to work together and prioritize building a strong metalworkers’ movement. He also spoke on IMF activities, challenges and achievements in the region.
At the workshop the participants from both unions agreed to:
- establish a joint office for both unions;
- establish a joint organizing committee to avoid competition and rivalry;
- make a joint campaign on national labour issues such as ratification of ILO Conventions 87 and 98, minimum wage and decent work;
- explore other common issues and activities to consolidate the metalworkers’ movement;
- collectively pursue the demand for minimum wage increase of Bht 300.00/day (US$10.00) for all workers in Thailand, promised by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawat as part of his election program;
- meet ICEM and ITGLWF Thai affiliates within a joint committee formed by TEAM and ALCT and discuss the process of creation of the new industrial International.
In conclusion, Arunasalam praised the efforts of TEAM and ALCT in promoting unity and solidarity, without which workers and their communities would become vulnerable to exploitation.
