| Circular
to All ICEM Affiliates
12 May 2004
Global Protest Action in Support of ICEM Members
Protesting Electricity Privatisation in Thailand
Dear Colleagues
On 20th January this year I wrote to you regarding the
actions taken by our Thai affiliate, EGAT LU, to stop the
privatisation of the state-owned electricity utility, the
Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). I was
extremely pleased by the overwhelming response by our affiliates
to the call for letters of protest to the Thai government.
Your support certainly helped in mobilising public protests
against ill-conceived and rushed state privatisation policies.
In the process our members won massive public support for
their protests and forced government officials including
the Prime Minister to recognise our affiliate as representative
of the legitimate interests of workers in the utility. As
the protests enter its 80th day, two other unions in the
electricity sector have joined the ICEM campaign. The Metropolitan
Electric-City Authority Union (MEA) and the Provincial Electric-City
Authority Union (PEA), representing 30,000 workers are working
closely with our members in co-ordinating the campaign.
However, despite strong opposition to privatisation, government
is seeking to impose its views on workers and society. Members
of the ICEM have started an occupation of the EGAT administration
building in Bangkok. The main picket line has a constant
rotation of workers from Bangkok and other regions. Membership
meetings are held daily at 3pm where the union President
updates on the negotiations. The press continues to report
on the campaign on a daily basis.
The key points of the campaign are:
1. Stick to the agreement
Although EGAT LU has managed to halt the floating of shares
on the stock market, the Thaksin government has stated that
privatization will continue. EGAT LU demands that the Thaksin
government respects the 3-point agreement already signed
with the Minister for Energy and the Chair of the Board
of EGAT on the 23rd April 2004 regarding alternatives to
privatisation.
2. Negotiate a new agreement
EGAT LU requests that negotiations with the Advisor to the
Love Thai Party, nominated by the President to deal with
negotiations in the public sector, are reinstated. A similar
agreement to the one already signed was being negotiated
on behalf of the 5 main public sector unions in the water
and electric power sector. Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawatra
has publicly withdrawn from negotiations and refused to
rearrange meetings. EGAT LU demands that negotiations are
reinstated.
3. Respond to our concerns
EGAT LU will be meeting with the Senate Commission of Inquiry
on EGAT Reform on the 17th May and requests that their position
is listened to and their concerns discussed. The two principle
demands that EGAT LU will make during this hearing are:
• That an alternative to privatization to boost efficiency
is found.
• Abolition of the State Enterprises Act (1999).
• End corruption in the electric power sector.
• Protect consumers against increased electricity
tariffs.
EGAT LU has established an anti-corruption policy and monitoring
team. They have already lodged a number of formal complaints
to the Government’s Anti-Corruption Commission, concerning
insider trading and irregularities of up to 2 billion Bhat.
Our members believe that continued international support
is vital in getting government to listen to workers and
society and will undertake a Week of Action on 24-28th
May 2004 under the theme “Don’t sell us out”.
On the 21st May, EGAT LU will circulate a summary of their
demands to the government in preparation for the week of
action.
In Thailand the following action will take place:
• Black ribbons will be produced for workers and consumers
to wear during the week
• ICEM Thai affiliates will organise groups of workers
to join the picket line
• Public sector unions,Consumer and community groups
will join EGAT in demonstrating against privatization
Through this circular I ask our affiliates to join our members
in Thailand by sending letters of protest to the Thai government
and EGAT management and lobby Thai embassies in their home
countries.
Letters should to be sent by FAX to:
Mr Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister +66 2 6299262
Mr. Chai-anan Samutvanich Chair EGAT Board +66 2 4364723
Mr. Prommin Lerdsuridej, Energy Minister +66 2 2265308
Mr. Sirichai Maingam President of EGAT Union + 66 2 4360090
Please copy any correspondence to Gino Govender, our Mines
and Energy Officer.
I thank you in advance of your support.
In solidarity,
Fred Higgs
General Secretary
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