June 22, 200917 yr Strike halts all SRT trains By: BangkokPost.com Published: 22/06/2009 at 10:21 AM The labour union of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) began a nationwide strike on Monday in protest against the state enterprise's restructuring plan. Labour union president Sawit Kaewwan said all SRT employees had stopped working, halting all rail services across the country. The employees oppose the SRT's plan to allow a private company to manage the operation, he said. The labour union had previously submitted a proposal to the SRT board on ways to improve organisation and solve debt problems. The board's privatisation plan would lead to higher fares, he said. Mr Sawit said the duration of the nationwide strike would depend on negotiations with the government and SRT governor Yutthana Thapcharoen. Mr Yutthana said he was informed of the strike plan on Sunday night. He thought some groups of employees might not understand the purpose of the restructuring plan. He would meet Mr Sawit for talks on Tuesday at 3pm. Negotiations were possible, but railway employees must not inconvenience the public, he said. The governor insisted the restructuring plan would not mean the privatision of the state enterprise, which would set up two companies to oversee its assets and the Airport Link rail project. Train travellers can call the SRT hotline at 1690 for assistance, he said. Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum said free public bus services were being provided at the stations where trains had come to a halt in various provinces. The minister said he had no problems with the labour union nakoing its feelings known, but the members must abide by the procedures of the SRT. He was willing to listen to the union's suggestions. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transport/...rike-nationwide
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