Title: The Thai Labour Unions: Identifying Internal Constraints to Effective Representation of Members' Interests in the Workplace and Society
Author: Osolnick, John
Year: 2006
Keywords: N/A
Theme: Migration
Advisor(s): Lae Dilokvidhyarat
The full thesis available here.
Abstract: It appears that workers worldwide are relentlessly striving for dignity, fairness, justice, and a better quality of life. Labor unions are crucial institutions in helping workers fight for themselves, their families, and their communities. Over the past twenty to thirty years, however, workers and unions have faced increasingly severe challenges as some believe that curtailing the power and effectiveness of unions will lead to greater personal gain. Therefore, unions worldwide, including in America and Thailand, have confronted these obstacles. However, these obstacles have also led to certain developments, one of which is the creation of a model union system. This research focuses specifically on the movements of Thai labor unions, without detailing the various obstacles faced by Thai workers from employers, the government, or laws. Instead, it tests the potential of Thai labor unions to create an effective model union system. The research aims to identify the problems that Thai labor unions need to address before they can build a successful model union system. Ultimately, the research primarily discusses two key factors necessary for creating a model union system: funding (membership fees) and personnel for organization/membership recruitment. The research reveals that current Thai labor unions lack both funding and personnel for organization/membership recruitment. Workers around the globe seem to share the same constant up-hill struggle for dignity, justice, fairness and a decent way of life. Trade unions have been and continue to be the pivotal institution for working class people to advance their struggle for themselves, their families, and their communities. The past few decades have borne witness to ever-greater challenges to workers and their unions by those who believe they benefit from limiting the power and effectiveness of unions. Consequently, unions all over the world, including in America and Thailand, have faced setbacks in recent decades. There have however been developments that have shown real promise in turning around the setbacks organized labor has been facing. One such development is the organizing model of unionism.This research is focused on the Thai trade union movement. It is not an elaboration of the many hurdles the movement faces from employers, the government or the law. It is instead an examination of what capacities Thai unions have to adopt and implement the organizing model of unionism.This research seeks to examine what internal constraints Thai unions need to address as a prerequisite to adopting the organizing model. To that end, the research is chiefly concerned with examining two key resources needed to adopt the model: financial resources (dues) and organizing staff. The research reveals that Thai unions currently lack both the financial resources and organizing staff to adopt the organizing model.