Mutual understanding is vital if the economy gets worse: labour leaders

[Lite Beer]

SLOWDOWN
Mutual understanding is vital if the economy gets worse: labour leaders
Tammaraj Kijchalong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Employers and employees 'need to meet halfway in the face of economic slump'

In the face of ongoing political turmoil and its adverse impact on the economy, a labour leader and a top government official agreed that employers and employees should meet halfway on their demands.

"They must talk and find a way to survive together," Thai Labour Solidarity Committee chairman Chalee Loysung said ahead of the National Labour Day, which falls on May 1.

He reckoned that the state of the economy was quite gloomy, and hence urged employers to speak frankly to their employees if they need to cut down on welfare or overtime. However, he warned businesses against cutting workers' benefits simply because they want to increase their profits.

"Don't forget that there will be a serious labour shortage when the economy picks up, so try and keep your current employees and maintain their loyalty," he said.

Pichet Jaitrong, a 40-year-old worker in Nakhon Pathom, said his factory had already cut down on overtime working hours. "That's why I'm earning Bt140 less each week," he said.

Labour Protection and Welfare Department's deputy director general Suvit Sumala said workers had staged 64 protests between October 1 and this past Wednesday, but that did not include many labour disputes over benefits.

"In most cases the employers and employees were able to settle their disputes. Employees are aware that the economic situation is not so good at present," Suvit said.

He added that things may get tougher for both employers and employees in the wake of the ongoing political turmoil.

"So, they should help each other. Together they should be able to wade through the crisis and things will improve," he said.

Suvit warned that if the two sides quarrel at such a difficult time, business shutdowns might be unavoidable.

Both Chalee and Suvit voiced concern for subcontracted staff, who are often the first to be hit when the economy is affected. "There are signs that various industries have cut down on their subcontracted staff," Suvit said.

Chalee said the number of sub-contracted staff had been shrinking because many large firms were suffering a drop in revenue.

-- The Nation 2014-04-26

[pookiki]

The union in the private sector in Thailand certainly have a better grasp of the impact of the current political crisis than their government counterparts. The State Enterprise Unions are working hand in hand to further destabilize the Thai economy by working hand in hand with the PDRC and related groups. The irony is that the PTP has done more to benefit workers in the past several years than any previous administration. Thai civil servants have a short memory and are very short-sighted in their zeal to support a demagogue who has no real interests in acting in the interests of the working class.

[robblok]

The union in the private sector in Thailand certainly have a better grasp of the impact of the current political crisis than their government counterparts. The State Enterprise Unions are working hand in hand to further destabilize the Thai economy by working hand in hand with the PDRC and related groups. The irony is that the PTP has done more to benefit workers in the past several years than any previous administration. Thai civil servants have a short memory and are very short-sighted in their zeal to support a demagogue who has no real interests in acting in the interests of the working class.

You mean has done more to destroy the country.

The raise in salary led to inflation and they are even off worse.

The populist policies led to the state of the economy

Wanting to grant amnesty to a convicted criminal led to this political problem.

Take of your red glasses and see the truth.

[pookiki]

The union in the private sector in Thailand certainly have a better grasp of the impact of the current political crisis than their government counterparts. The State Enterprise Unions are working hand in hand to further destabilize the Thai economy by working hand in hand with the PDRC and related groups. The irony is that the PTP has done more to benefit workers in the past several years than any previous administration. Thai civil servants have a short memory and are very short-sighted in their zeal to support a demagogue who has no real interests in acting in the interests of the working class.

You mean has done more to destroy the country.

The raise in salary led to inflation and they are even off worse.

The populist policies led to the state of the economy

Wanting to grant amnesty to a convicted criminal led to this political problem.

Take of your red glasses and see the truth.

I find that the most dangerous people in the world today are the ones who think they have a monopoly on the truth. They don't have any glasses. They are just 'blind' followers. Need a cane?

[robblok]

The union in the private sector in Thailand certainly have a better grasp of the impact of the current political crisis than their government counterparts. The State Enterprise Unions are working hand in hand to further destabilize the Thai economy by working hand in hand with the PDRC and related groups. The irony is that the PTP has done more to benefit workers in the past several years than any previous administration. Thai civil servants have a short memory and are very short-sighted in their zeal to support a demagogue who has no real interests in acting in the interests of the working class.

You mean has done more to destroy the country.

The raise in salary led to inflation and they are even off worse.

The populist policies led to the state of the economy

Wanting to grant amnesty to a convicted criminal led to this political problem.

Take of your red glasses and see the truth.

I find that the most dangerous people in the world today are the ones who think they have a monopoly on the truth. They don't have any glasses. They are just 'blind' followers. Need a cane?

No its better you keep yours you seem to need it describing yourself so well.

Instead of attacking me attack the things i wrote.

Is there not a lot of inflation because of the wage raise ?

Did the populist policies (rice policy) harm the country look at the problems ?

Did the whole range of problems here start with the amnesty of Taskin pushed through in the middle of the night ?

I guess you know you cant so you shoot the messenger. It confirms what i thought about you.

[pookiki]

The union in the private sector in Thailand certainly have a better grasp of the impact of the current political crisis than their government counterparts. The State Enterprise Unions are working hand in hand to further destabilize the Thai economy by working hand in hand with the PDRC and related groups. The irony is that the PTP has done more to benefit workers in the past several years than any previous administration. Thai civil servants have a short memory and are very short-sighted in their zeal to support a demagogue who has no real interests in acting in the interests of the working class.

You mean has done more to destroy the country.

The raise in salary led to inflation and they are even off worse.

The populist policies led to the state of the economy

Wanting to grant amnesty to a convicted criminal led to this political problem.

Take of your red glasses and see the truth.

I find that the most dangerous people in the world today are the ones who think they have a monopoly on the truth. They don't have any glasses. They are just 'blind' followers. Need a cane?

No its better you keep yours you seem to need it describing yourself so well.

Instead of attacking me attack the things i wrote.

Is there not a lot of inflation because of the wage raise ?

Did the populist policies (rice policy) harm the country look at the problems ?

Did the whole range of problems here start with the amnesty of Taskin pushed through in the middle of the night ?

I guess you know you cant so you shoot the messenger. It confirms what i thought about you.

Look, if you want a rational discussion on issues, don't insult people or me. The next time I won't even bother to respond to your insults, I will just report them to the moderators.

There are two sides for any argument.

You make a lot of statements but offer little in support of your arguments. Wage increases initiated by the PTP, which included a hefty wage increase for civil servants, may or may not be a cause for inflation depending on the economic environment. Inflation will occur even without wage increases - would you agree with that? So, what is the solution? Never give workers a raise? Let more and more people slip into poverty?

I disagree with the governments program of tax rebate on cars but probably not for the same reason as you. The policy definitely benefited the Thai auto industry and Thai auto workers with an increase in sales. So, it was an economic stimulus. However, in my view, Thailand does not need more cars on the road. For me, it is an environmental issue. As for the rice policy, I do not think that it is a sound financial policy but so few farmers have been paid to date, where is the link to the economy? Thailand's economy is being impacted by fewer tourists and a loss of confidence by foreign business leaders because of the continued political turmoil. Turmoil takes two to tango.

What evidence do you have that the Thai government is bankrupt? I live in an apartment complex where there are a significant amount of government workers. I've talked with them. Most, if not all, received their full salaries when they were prevented from working because of the illegal actions of the PDRC in occupying government buildings and threatening civil servants. Is it a waste of money to pay people for not working? In my view it is -- and it is not fiscally responsible for the government to pay people for not working - right? What would you have done?

As for the amnesty, it was the worse thing the PTP could have done not because of any impact on the economy but because they alienated so many of their own people. But the amnesty is a dead issue, now. It didn't happen so how did something that didn't happen affect the economy?

Frankly, I support an amnesty as a way out of this mess. In the alternative, jail every current and former politician that has been indicted or is facing criminal charges WITHOUT bail. When all these people are in jail, then it MAY be possible to get a fresh start. However, I think the issue of corruption is so ingrained in Thai society that it will take generations to change.

The problem with people like you is that you shoot of your mouth in your responses instead of acting with some civility. So endemic of the politics of the day. Honey will catch a lot more flies than vinegar.

[Benmart]

The union in the private sector in Thailand certainly have a better grasp of the impact of the current political crisis than their government counterparts. The State Enterprise Unions are working hand in hand to further destabilize the Thai economy by working hand in hand with the PDRC and related groups. The irony is that the PTP has done more to benefit workers in the past several years than any previous administration. Thai civil servants have a short memory and are very short-sighted in their zeal to support a demagogue who has no real interests in acting in the interests of the working class.

You mean has done more to destroy the country.

The raise in salary led to inflation and they are even off worse.

The populist policies led to the state of the economy

Wanting to grant amnesty to a convicted criminal led to this political problem.

Take of your red glasses and see the truth.

I find that the most dangerous people in the world today are the ones who think they have a monopoly on the truth. They don't have any glasses. They are just 'blind' followers. Need a cane?

No its better you keep yours you seem to need it describing yourself so well.

Instead of attacking me attack the things i wrote.

Is there not a lot of inflation because of the wage raise ?

Did the populist policies (rice policy) harm the country look at the problems ?

Did the whole range of problems here start with the amnesty of Taskin pushed through in the middle of the night ?

I guess you know you cant so you shoot the messenger. It confirms what i thought about you.

Look, if you want a rational discussion on issues, don't insult people or me. The next time I won't even bother to respond to your insults, I will just report them to the moderators.

There are two sides for any argument.

You make a lot of statements but offer little in support of your arguments. Wage increases initiated by the PTP, which included a hefty wage increase for civil servants, may or may not be a cause for inflation depending on the economic environment. Inflation will occur even without wage increases - would you agree with that? So, what is the solution? Never give workers a raise? Let more and more people slip into poverty?

I disagree with the governments program of tax rebate on cars but probably not for the same reason as you. The policy definitely benefited the Thai auto industry and Thai auto workers with an increase in sales. So, it was an economic stimulus. However, in my view, Thailand does not need more cars on the road. For me, it is an environmental issue. As for the rice policy, I do not think that it is a sound financial policy but so few farmers have been paid to date, where is the link to the economy? Thailand's economy is being impacted by fewer tourists and a loss of confidence by foreign business leaders because of the continued political turmoil. Turmoil takes two to tango.

What evidence do you have that the Thai government is bankrupt? I live in an apartment complex where there are a significant amount of government workers. I've talked with them. Most, if not all, received their full salaries when they were prevented from working because of the illegal actions of the PDRC in occupying government buildings and threatening civil servants. Is it a waste of money to pay people for not working? In my view it is -- and it is not fiscally responsible for the government to pay people for not working - right? What would you have done?

As for the amnesty, it was the worse thing the PTP could have done not because of any impact on the economy but because they alienated so many of their own people. But the amnesty is a dead issue, now. It didn't happen so how did something that didn't happen affect the economy?

Frankly, I support an amnesty as a way out of this mess. In the alternative, jail every current and former politician that has been indicted or is facing criminal charges WITHOUT bail. When all these people are in jail, then it MAY be possible to get a fresh start. However, I think the issue of corruption is so ingrained in Thai society that it will take generations to change.

The problem with people like you is that you shoot of your mouth in your responses instead of acting with some civility. So endemic of the politics of the day. Honey will catch a lot more flies than vinegar.

The wiser of two men is he who remains silent when unjustly attacked with words.

[robblok]

You mean has done more to destroy the country.

The raise in salary led to inflation and they are even off worse.

The populist policies led to the state of the economy

Wanting to grant amnesty to a convicted criminal led to this political problem.

Take of your red glasses and see the truth.

I find that the most dangerous people in the world today are the ones who think they have a monopoly on the truth. They don't have any glasses. They are just 'blind' followers. Need a cane?

No its better you keep yours you seem to need it describing yourself so well.

Instead of attacking me attack the things i wrote.

Is there not a lot of inflation because of the wage raise ?

Did the populist policies (rice policy) harm the country look at the problems ?

Did the whole range of problems here start with the amnesty of Taskin pushed through in the middle of the night ?

I guess you know you cant so you shoot the messenger. It confirms what i thought about you.

Look, if you want a rational discussion on issues, don't insult people or me. The next time I won't even bother to respond to your insults, I will just report them to the moderators.

There are two sides for any argument.

You make a lot of statements but offer little in support of your arguments. Wage increases initiated by the PTP, which included a hefty wage increase for civil servants, may or may not be a cause for inflation depending on the economic environment. Inflation will occur even without wage increases - would you agree with that? So, what is the solution? Never give workers a raise? Let more and more people slip into poverty?

I disagree with the governments program of tax rebate on cars but probably not for the same reason as you. The policy definitely benefited the Thai auto industry and Thai auto workers with an increase in sales. So, it was an economic stimulus. However, in my view, Thailand does not need more cars on the road. For me, it is an environmental issue. As for the rice policy, I do not think that it is a sound financial policy but so few farmers have been paid to date, where is the link to the economy? Thailand's economy is being impacted by fewer tourists and a loss of confidence by foreign business leaders because of the continued political turmoil. Turmoil takes two to tango.

What evidence do you have that the Thai government is bankrupt? I live in an apartment complex where there are a significant amount of government workers. I've talked with them. Most, if not all, received their full salaries when they were prevented from working because of the illegal actions of the PDRC in occupying government buildings and threatening civil servants. Is it a waste of money to pay people for not working? In my view it is -- and it is not fiscally responsible for the government to pay people for not working - right? What would you have done?

As for the amnesty, it was the worse thing the PTP could have done not because of any impact on the economy but because they alienated so many of their own people. But the amnesty is a dead issue, now. It didn't happen so how did something that didn't happen affect the economy?

Frankly, I support an amnesty as a way out of this mess. In the alternative, jail every current and former politician that has been indicted or is facing criminal charges WITHOUT bail. When all these people are in jail, then it MAY be possible to get a fresh start. However, I think the issue of corruption is so ingrained in Thai society that it will take generations to change.

The problem with people like you is that you shoot of your mouth in your responses instead of acting with some civility. So endemic of the politics of the day. Honey will catch a lot more flies than vinegar.

I agree that inflation happens but after the raise things got a lot worse and yes correlation is not causation but in this case its quite obvious. Never giving a raise is a stupid thing but giving quite a large raise all at once is.

The first car thing, same and more reasons as you, don't need more cars, got people in higher debt, and damaged the car industry as it gave a temporary boost followed by less sales. The rice program you did not mention, but something that is supposed to be cost neutral (that is how they budgetted it else they could spend (steal) less on other programs) is now costing 700 billion. I would call that failed and a huge problem.

The amnesty is what started the street riots and the way how it was done. You can't argue against that. I am AGAINST an amnesty because 25.000 CORRUPTION cases go away then too.

So I did not shoot my mouth it was the PTP that started the problems and caused them. Without the amnesty bill and that stupid much to high hike of salaries we would be in much better shape. Not to mention the problems of the rice program. The PTP is utterly incompetent and brought all of this on themselves.

And before you think i love Suthep.. if he is corrupt.. please arrest him prove it lock him up.. and do the same for ALL politicians that are corrupt instead of giving out amnesties.

[soalbundy]

I'm sure the employee's will have a tough time but i don't think the employers will have to cut down on their champagne consumption too much and the tea money will decrease,it's a win win,lower tea money to be paid and possibly lower wages

[robblok]

I'm sure the employee's will have a tough time but i don't think the employers will have to cut down on their champagne consumption too much and the tea money will decrease,it's a win win,lower tea money to be paid and possibly lower wages

I wonder why people always seem to think that employers are making so much money.

As an accountant i know better. Plus they are having more risk and money invested they should get some return on investment.

I think most people have never been self employed or run a company and always see the boss as someone doing nothing and racking in the money while for real the situation is totally different.

Most people who are self employed or who run a company make long hours and take risks, there should be some return on investment. Employees are free to start their own company and make the easy money they think is there.

Most companies are also on the stock exchange you can look in their books and see their profits and see if they are too high or if they are making too much money on their employees.

I am not saying that there are no bad bosses that exploit their employees (there are for sure) but often this is not the case and companies are just making a normal amount of money. Remember there is competition on the market if it was that easy everyone would be doing it.

Seems also to be a lot of envy to people who have money and invest it in a company seems they are not allowed to make money.. without them the workers would also have no work.

But if cuts are to be made..both sides should take cuts not only the workers.

[soalbundy]

I'm sure the employee's will have a tough time but i don't think the employers will have to cut down on their champagne consumption too much and the tea money will decrease,it's a win win,lower tea money to be paid and possibly lower wages

I wonder why people always seem to think that employers are making so much money.

As an accountant i know better. Plus they are having more risk and money invested they should get some return on investment.

I think most people have never been self employed or run a company and always see the boss as someone doing nothing and racking in the money while for real the situation is totally different.

Most people who are self employed or who run a company make long hours and take risks, there should be some return on investment. Employees are free to start their own company and make the easy money they think is there.

Most companies are also on the stock exchange you can look in their books and see their profits and see if they are too high or if they are making too much money on their employees.

I am not saying that there are no bad bosses that exploit their employees (there are for sure) but often this is not the case and companies are just making a normal amount of money. Remember there is competition on the market if it was that easy everyone would be doing it.

Seems also to be a lot of envy to people who have money and invest it in a company seems they are not allowed to make money.. without them the workers would also have no work.

But if cuts are to be made..both sides should take cuts not only the workers.

I stand corrected

[robblok]

I'm sure the employee's will have a tough time but i don't think the employers will have to cut down on their champagne consumption too much and the tea money will decrease,it's a win win,lower tea money to be paid and possibly lower wages

I wonder why people always seem to think that employers are making so much money.

As an accountant i know better. Plus they are having more risk and money invested they should get some return on investment.

I think most people have never been self employed or run a company and always see the boss as someone doing nothing and racking in the money while for real the situation is totally different.

Most people who are self employed or who run a company make long hours and take risks, there should be some return on investment. Employees are free to start their own company and make the easy money they think is there.

Most companies are also on the stock exchange you can look in their books and see their profits and see if they are too high or if they are making too much money on their employees.

I am not saying that there are no bad bosses that exploit their employees (there are for sure) but often this is not the case and companies are just making a normal amount of money. Remember there is competition on the market if it was that easy everyone would be doing it.

Seems also to be a lot of envy to people who have money and invest it in a company seems they are not allowed to make money.. without them the workers would also have no work.

But if cuts are to be made..both sides should take cuts not only the workers.

I stand corrected

Sorry for the rant, I was once an employee, at that point i always thought the boss had it easy and was racking in money by using me. Later in life I became that employer and saw that I was working a lot more as when I was an employee and putting more of my money into the company taking risks not knowing if it would work. Yes I made more money when I was an employer but work and risk was also a lot higher.

I thought you were a farmer before or have interest in farming. I would say the farmer who owns land and sells his product should make more because of the invested money and risk he takes as his hand that helps him even though much of the work is the same. Just an example.

I am of course against the kind of bosses that exploit their factory workers and lower their salaries so they keep having the same huge profit. But to be honest, im not so sure if that is a large majority of bosses or a minority.. i think the latter but could be wrong.

[Thai at Heart]

You mean has done more to destroy the country.

The raise in salary led to inflation and they are even off worse.

The populist policies led to the state of the economy

Wanting to grant amnesty to a convicted criminal led to this political problem.

Take of your red glasses and see the truth.

I find that the most dangerous people in the world today are the ones who think they have a monopoly on the truth. They don't have any glasses. They are just 'blind' followers. Need a cane?

No its better you keep yours you seem to need it describing yourself so well.

Instead of attacking me attack the things i wrote.

Is there not a lot of inflation because of the wage raise ?

Did the populist policies (rice policy) harm the country look at the problems ?

Did the whole range of problems here start with the amnesty of Taskin pushed through in the middle of the night ?

I guess you know you cant so you shoot the messenger. It confirms what i thought about you.

Look, if you want a rational discussion on issues, don't insult people or me. The next time I won't even bother to respond to your insults, I will just report them to the moderators.

There are two sides for any argument.

You make a lot of statements but offer little in support of your arguments. Wage increases initiated by the PTP, which included a hefty wage increase for civil servants, may or may not be a cause for inflation depending on the economic environment. Inflation will occur even without wage increases - would you agree with that? So, what is the solution? Never give workers a raise? Let more and more people slip into poverty?

I disagree with the governments program of tax rebate on cars but probably not for the same reason as you. The policy definitely benefited the Thai auto industry and Thai auto workers with an increase in sales. So, it was an economic stimulus. However, in my view, Thailand does not need more cars on the road. For me, it is an environmental issue. As for the rice policy, I do not think that it is a sound financial policy but so few farmers have been paid to date, where is the link to the economy? Thailand's economy is being impacted by fewer tourists and a loss of confidence by foreign business leaders because of the continued political turmoil. Turmoil takes two to tango.

What evidence do you have that the Thai government is bankrupt? I live in an apartment complex where there are a significant amount of government workers. I've talked with them. Most, if not all, received their full salaries when they were prevented from working because of the illegal actions of the PDRC in occupying government buildings and threatening civil servants. Is it a waste of money to pay people for not working? In my view it is -- and it is not fiscally responsible for the government to pay people for not working - right? What would you have done?

As for the amnesty, it was the worse thing the PTP could have done not because of any impact on the economy but because they alienated so many of their own people. But the amnesty is a dead issue, now. It didn't happen so how did something that didn't happen affect the economy?

Frankly, I support an amnesty as a way out of this mess. In the alternative, jail every current and former politician that has been indicted or is facing criminal charges WITHOUT bail. When all these people are in jail, then it MAY be possible to get a fresh start. However, I think the issue of corruption is so ingrained in Thai society that it will take generations to change.

The problem with people like you is that you shoot of your mouth in your responses instead of acting with some civility. So endemic of the politics of the day. Honey will catch a lot more flies than vinegar.

I agree that inflation happens but after the raise things got a lot worse and yes correlation is not causation but in this case its quite obvious. Never giving a raise is a stupid thing but giving quite a large raise all at once is.

The first car thing, same and more reasons as you, don't need more cars, got people in higher debt, and damaged the car industry as it gave a temporary boost followed by less sales. The rice program you did not mention, but something that is supposed to be cost neutral (that is how they budgetted it else they could spend (steal) less on other programs) is now costing 700 billion. I would call that failed and a huge problem.

The amnesty is what started the street riots and the way how it was done. You can't argue against that. I am AGAINST an amnesty because 25.000 CORRUPTION cases go away then too.

So I did not shoot my mouth it was the PTP that started the problems and caused them. Without the amnesty bill and that stupid much to high hike of salaries we would be in much better shape. Not to mention the problems of the rice program. The PTP is utterly incompetent and brought all of this on themselves.

And before you think i love Suthep.. if he is corrupt.. please arrest him prove it lock him up.. and do the same for ALL politicians that are corrupt instead of giving out amnesties.

The car thing was to say sorry for them being decimated by the flood. The boost in sales they got, made up for the slump from the flood.

I can easily imagine that several companies threatened to leave and it was a bit of a gift to get them to stay.