Workers demand governor's mediation in bonus dispute

Somsak Sukyod, president of the Ford and Mazda labour union, said they had launched industrial action three weeks ago in response to the employer's tactic of disrupting the union's conversation with workers on November 27.

He said the stage had been set that day for the union to inform 600 night-shift workers about the annual pay proposal, but the company's buses were instructed to leave the plant ahead of schedule.

Some workers refused to leave and were joined by day-shift workers. As security officers closed the exits, all workers stage a strike in front of the plant - an action that has lasted for three weeks.

Auto Alliance then ordered the total suspension of production until January 12.

"We've only today been approached for negotiations," Somsak said yesterday.

"We were told that the Rayong governor would chair the negotiations but, on arrival, we were told that he was tied up with other business. We met nine representatives of the employer, but the answers we received were unsatisfactory."

The workers decided to remain in front of City Hall until, as they put it, the employer accepts responsibility for the suspension of production. Nearly 1,000 workers also remain in front of the plant.

Labour Protection and Welfare Department deputy director-general Arthit Isamo said that the conflict remained unresolved, as the workers refused to accept the six-month bonus plus Bt14,000 cash payment that has been offered, citing that company profitability is high. Further talks are scheduled for December 24.

"As a mediator, we want to end this as soon as possible. We hope the December 24 meeting will bring the conflict to an end, as we're prepared to present all the actual financial information," he said.

AutoAlliance (Thailand), a joint venture between Ford and Mazda, employs 3,500 workers at the factory.

In a statement yesterday, the company said production had been suspended for the safety of workers and to prevent damage to the facility, while it seeks to resolve the conflict with the workers.

The company said the parties had been unable to reach agreement over this year's bonus after four rounds of negotiation, following which the union's leaders retaliated by blocking the exit on November 27, barring buses from leaving the premises.

The next day, 400 workers went on strike and their blockade disrupted the transportation of auto parts into the facility. The strike continued despite a provincial court injunction on December 4, it said.

"Auto Alliance (Thailand) believes the conflict is affecting the company, workers and suppliers, as well as damaging the economy to the tune of millions of baht per day," the company said in the statement.