News

UNI Thailand Liaison Council (UNI-TLC) held two seminars in cooperation with UNI Liaison Council Japan (UNI-LCJ).

One was on 22 – 24 February 2008 for Finance, Graphical, Post & Telecom sectors under the theme of “Stepping Up on Globalization!” Sis. Yoko Ogawa, Deputy Director of UNI-Apro Tokyo Office spoke on the growing importance of the unions’ global alliance and cooperation to cope with multinational companies in the globalized era, and showed an example of how the Japanese affiliates are working very hard to conclude a

global framework agreement with a Japanese company. Bro. Ponsak, Labor Committee of Democratic Party questioned merits and demerits of globalization for governments, companies and individuals.



Bro. Watanabe, JPGU reported on the new phase after the privatization of Japan Post which has enabled them to start new commercial business with the universal service obligation as well as the historic merger of two postal unions in Japan. Bro. Nakano, JOHO-ROREN introduced variety of organizing initiatives such as cooperation with universities for students to get understanding about unions and web-based union services and cooperative.

Head of LCJ Delegation, Bro. Ishikawa, FNIU (President of UNI-Apro Finance sector) explained Big Bang in the Japanese Finance sector since the middle of 1990s and how to cope with these changes such as convergence of banks, insurance, securities and other financial institutes both domestically and globally and highlighted the values of UNI’s activities in monitoring multinational companies, exchanging views, collecting information and campaigning globally.

Bro. Morieda, Zeninsatsu (printing bureau union) shared the health and safety measurements in the workplace.

Sis. Sirima and Bro. Kuansakul showed the UNI-TLC website which was newly established by webmasters trained under the UNI Bridge project and press volunteers from each affiliate. Everyone was very impressed by this development as this is a very good example of teamwork especially involving young generation.

Thai participants’ interests focused on the privatized Japan Post, the biggest bank in Japan about the co-existence with other private finance companies. Bro. Chaisith, President of UNI-TLC expressed his expectations especially to the LCJ to be able to persuade bank unions to become members of UNI and also wanted to organize Japanese insurance companies employees in Thailand into his Federation.



Another seminar was concurrently held for Tesco Lotus Workers’ Union, which was established in 2005 as the first commerce union with support of UNI, UNI-Apro and UNI-TLC. The main objective of the seminar was to review the union’s demands and learn practical skills for forthcoming negotiation with management to revise the collective agreement, which was first signed in March 2006 and will expire in May 2008.



Bro. Ougitani, JSD delivered a very informative lecture on basic rules, manners and reminders for more harmonious and strategic collective bargaining.

Bro. Ohshima, UI ZENSEN made a power point presentation focusing on the importance of daily close communication between labor and management through labor-management consultation system. Participants were very interested in case studies of Japan. Participants also tried SWOT analysis, in order to figure out their strengths and weaknesses.

Really exciting was the roll playing of negotiation by Thai workers and Japanese Management. Japanese lecturers and Thai facilitators made comments and suggestions, wishing them successful negotiation. At the closing session, Bro.Surapol, President of Tesco Lotus Workers’ Union appreciated comments and advice from Japanese and continuous supports from UNI-Apro and UNI-LCJ for the development of the union.



All participants also enjoyed delicious Thai food, singing and dancing in a 4 hour cruise on the raft on the River Kwai. We felt like crewmembers sharing the same fortunes on UNI boat…