Rising Together to Transform: 6th UNI Asia & Pacific Regional Conference opens in Bangkok

Over 600 trade union leaders from across the region gathered in Bangkok today for the beginning of the 6th UNI Asia & Pacific Regional Conference, held under the theme “Rising Together to Transform”.

The event, running from 20 to 22 November, sets the stage for unions throughout the region to transform their economies through solidarity, organizing and collective bargaining.

Following a beautiful performance of contemporary Thai dance, Brother Suwit Mingmol, President of the UNI Thailand Liaison Council (above) welcomed participants to ‘the city that never sleeps’ on behalf of UNI’s Thai affiliates.

“The word ‘transform’ means that we don’t just want change – we want transformation. Something much bigger. We must transform our economies. We must transform the role and power of unions. And we must transform unions themselves, so that we  are more inclusive of young people, of women,” said Christy Hoffman, UNI Global Union General Secretary speaking at the packed opening ceremony.

Guest of Honour, Mr Siraphop Duangsodsri, Vice Minister for Labour highlighted the government’s initiatives in upskilling, reskilling and advancing workforce welfare amidst the transformation posed by the digital economy. He also cited plans to improve workers’ rights through legislation.

“The draft Independent Labour Law under development aims to make Thailand a country with labour standards aligned with international labour standards, creating decent work for all,” Duangsodsri said. “On behalf of the Thai government, I confirm our commitment to work with labour organizations in a tripartite format to promote Thailand’s labour mission steadily and sustainably.”

Akihiko Matsuura, President of UNI Asia & Pacific (above), stressed that solidarity is crucial in navigating times of unprecedented upheaval, marked by political instability, climate crises, and growing economic inequality.

“Labour unions can protect workers’ rights by uniting and pursuing change together. By increasing our membership and fostering solidarity among unions across countries, we can make our voices resonate in society.”

Another keynote speaker, Panudda Boonpala, International Labour Organization’s Deputy Regional Director (left), said every worker deserves to be free from violence and harassment and praised the work by UNI unions to push governments to adopt ILO Convention No. 190 on the elimination of violence and harassment.

“The ILO commends UNI Asia-Pacific’s ongoing work to create safe and inclusive environments, particularly in industries where workers, especially migrants, informal workers and young workers, are most vulnerable to harassment,” she said, promising to continue ILO’s support for union initiatives to end discrimination, harassment and abuse at work.

Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of the ITUC Asia Pacific, drew attention to the region’s democratic struggles and union victories. He lauded the National Unity Government’s progress in resisting the military regime in Myanmar, as well as unions’ success in advocating for a new, improved labour law in Indonesia, and Thailand’s application to become a member of the OECD. However, he condemned the unjust imprisonment of activists and union leaders like Lee Cheuk Yan in Hong Kong.

“It is in times of adversity that we must stand tall, draw strength from our history, and press forward,” Yoshida declared.

Another speaker, Henning Effner, Thailand Director of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, spoke of his organization’s long-standing partnership in the region. Effner said:

“UNI Asia & Pacific is a powerful voice for the rights of workers in Asia Pacific… FES stands in solidarity with you, and we will continue to support your struggle for social justice, for decent work, for trade union rights in Asia Pacific and around the world.”

Manop Kuerat of Thailand’s State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation (left) raised concerns about rising inequality exacerbated by global free-market capitalism. “Short-term employment, job insecurity, labour rights violations, and unfair wages have led to increasing inequality. The gap between the poor and the rich continues to widen,” he remarked.

Gerard Dwyer, President of UNI Global Union, praised Thailand’s Labour Ministry for its commitment to tripartite engagement. “If government, employers, and labour work together, that is society at its best,” said Dwyer concluding the first day of the conference.