Thai Victory For Union Solidarity

Date: 17 September 2002

Following a sustained global trade union campaign, the final 29 workers sacked illegally from a 'Light House Industry' factory in Thailand have been reinstated.

In a 13 September meeting witnessed by members of the Thai Labour Relations Department, the Light-House Industry (a sub-contractor of US luggage giant Samsonite) also gave assurances that it will not "interfere with trade union activities" nor "obstruct any activities conducted in accordance with the law."

The dispute, which began in October 2001 with the dismissal of 600 workers (out of a total workforce of 1400) and saw dramatic events including workers presenting a protest a letter written in their own blood to the Thai parliament and a worldwide trade union campaign, today finally saw the last of the dismissed workers back at their posts.

"This is an important success which shows the effect that international trade union solidarity can have," explained Guy Ryder.

During a recent visit to the ICFTU, a delegation from the Royal Thai Government Department of Labour Protection and Welfare pledged to address the question of the Light House workers as part of new commitments to tackle lax labour practises in the country.

With key ILO core conventions yet to be ratified there is a long road ahead for the Thai authorities, however, the reinstatement of the Light House workers is a positive move in the right direction.

The ICFTU represents 157 million workers in 225 affiliated organisations in 148 countries and territories. ICFTU is also a member of Global Unions.

For further information

Union:	Labor Council of NSW
WWW:	http://www.global-unions.org

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