FTI opposes strike call
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The Federation of Thai Industries announced yesterday that industrial plant operators opposed the civil-disobedience call.
FTI chairman Payungsak Chartsutipol said that none of the 8,000 of the federation’s factory members would sanction strikes during the November 13-15 period, on the grounds that such industrial action was unreasonable and could affect the fragile economy.
All manufacturers are struggling to reduce costs and increasing capacity to complete New Year orders, he added.
“A three-day strike means a loss of output, and manufacturers may then fail to complete the orders. This could encourage customers to switch to producers in other countries, which will create chain impacts,” he said.
The FTI’s manufacturer members also vowed to pay their taxes, which can be spent by any government in developing the country and driving the economy.
Like the Thai Chamber of Commerce, which also opposes the civil-disobedience call, the FTI said the protests should stop now.
The efforts to pass the amnesty bill have been killed and prolonged protests would dampen investment sentiment.
New orders for Thai goods could also be switched elsewhere if buyers are uncertain of delivery, said the FTI.
