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A GROUP of union members from Laguna Phuket met Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at Phuket International Airport this afternoon and asked for his support in a pay dispute.
About 10 of the 20 union members at the airport talked with the PM in private in a VIP room before he caught a flight for Bangkok. He said he would have their case assessed.
Earlier, Wichiem Tannumas, head of Laguna Phuket's eight union bodies, told Phuketwan that 57 unionists had been suspended on full pay since the three-day blockade of the large resort complex over wages and bonuses two weeks ago.
The blockade failed to close the six resorts in the complex but inconvenienced guests with a ban on buses and cars. It ended on February 8 with a return to work by the 4000 resort staff.
Laguna management took an unyielding stance during the flareup and it is believed that no compromise has been reached since.
The PM found time at the airport to meet the union members, who were hoping to present him with documents supporting their claim for a four-week pay bonus for 2008 and a four percent pay rise in 2009.
Laguna management gave workers a two-week bonus and declined to offer a pay rise because of uncertainty about world economic conditions in 2009.
A two-page document presented to the PM was signed by union officers representing the Sheraton, the Dusit, Laguna Beach Resort, Banyan Tree, Banyan Tree Spa, Laguna Golf Club, Laguna Service Phuket and the Phuket Hotels union.
The document details the rationale behind the blockade at Laguna Phuket and says the Laguna management has now warned unionists that they must not take further action.
Details of Laguna's rejection of unionism had been posted on noticeboards all over the resorts, the document said.
Efforts by the Governor and the Labor office had failed to bring a response from the Laguna management, the document said. The appeal to the PM was made to try to produce a resolution.
Khun Wichiem said that the suspended union members had been told they would be allowed to return to their jobs when guest numbers increased at Laguna Phuket.
Laguna management has said that union members make up a very small proportion of its large staff.
While the PM's visit to Phuket and the union protest have no obvious connection, it could be that the important conference that the PM came to attend will shed some light on the regional economy in 2009.
Prime Minister Abhisit flew in today to attend the 13-country Association of South-East Asian Nations (Plus Three) gathering of finance ministers and senior officials, being held at the Sheraton Grande, one of the Laguna Phuket resorts.
The gathering began there last night with a cocktail party and dinner hosted by Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij.
The main event began today on schedule this morning, but with the finance ministers from Japan, Singapore and Cambodia represented by other delegates.
With the aim of hammering out a plan to stave off the worst effects of the global economic downturn, the conference is a top-level warm-up for the full Asean summit to be held in Hua Hin later this week.
Asean members were joined by the South Korean and Chinese finance ministers and a senior Japanese official (the Plus Three.)
Laguna Phuket is the island's largest private employer.
The resort provides a pleasant parkland setting on Bang Tao beach for the Laguna Beach Resort, the Dusit Thani Resort, the Sheraton Grande Laguna, the Banyan Tree, the Allamanda and the Laguna Holiday Club.
What the PM said about Phuket
''I am sure many of you may still recall that this island was hit by the tsunami a couple of years back. It is now clearly visible that Phuket has successfully recovered from that unfortunate incident and has become livelier and more robust than ever.
''I hope that Phuket's recovery stems from its strong foundations which are the key ingredients, and I hope that the recovery will serve as an inspiration for the region.
''Phuket's wonderful setting will provide a congenial environment for a successful meeting, and [I hope] that the energy of Phuket will invigorate Asean (Plus Three) to keep on working for the betterment of our peoples for years to come.
''Like Phuket, I do hope that the global economy will recover soon.
''I hope that the international community will be active and sincere in their cooperation.
''I hope that our economic foundations will remain strong and help us withstand the global economic crisis, just like how Phuket has recovered.''
The Asean Conference
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Latest Will financial chiefs from 13 nations dealing with the world's economy this weekend be dreaming of happier times relaxing on Phuket's beaches? That should be a suitable spur for action.
Phuket's Asean Talkfest Promotes Island
The Union Dispute
Laguna Dispute Latest: Back to Work As Usual
Latest The dispute at Laguna Phuket took a new turn when staff at the Banyan Tree said they were locked out on Sunday. However, it turned out to be a misunderstanding.
Laguna Dispute Latest: Back to Work As Usual
The Phuket Economy
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Economic Update Marketing Phuket and Thailand becomes more difficult as countries perceived as being tourism prospects succumb one by one to global economic fatigue.
Air Traffic Figures Explode Recovery Strategies
