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Dream for better labor rights in ASEAN   with Dr.Surin Pitsuwan, ASEAN Secretary General Designate

Poonsap  S.  Tulaphan
Foundation for Labor and  Employment Promotion

Incoming ASEAN Secretary General for 2008 Dr Surin Pitsuwan as the forum’s Keynote Speaker emphasized the crucial role of civil society, NGOs and trade unions  in establishing balance in the ASEAN in terms of attaining political security, economic stability and socio-cultural development. In the past, economic competitiveness led to a “race to the bottom” by using lowest wage,  provision of limited social protection and neglect of  environmental problems.  in order to reduce cost and attract foreign investment., there was no obligation to fulfill  labor rights in accordance with international standards  This way of development led to unfair growth, exploitation and increasing gap between the rich and the poor.

In particular, Dr. Surin mentioned increasing numbers of informal and migrant workers who were invisible in statistics, had no social protection, no right to collective bargaining,   and no voice. The  ILO decent work agenda  that developed to ensure fair globalization was neglected by the governments

Dr. Surin added that the benefit gained from organizing will help strengthen the ASEAN community, so he enjoined brothers and sisters from workers’ groups, NGOs and academics to stretch out their hands towards the formation of a “Network Governance” that aims  for equality in diversity.

Dr. Surin reiterated the message of Christopher Ng, UNI Apro Asia Pacific Regional Secretary,  regarding the need  to push for sustainable development in aiming for better labor rights in “caring and sharing societies”. Achieving this goal will necessitate sharing of information and joint formulation of  strategies among  trade unions, NGOs,  and other stakeholders towards sustainable development . This will pave the way towards a real social partnership and social solidarity.