Quickbites — World trade unions slam globalisation

An international Congress of trade unions has slammed the globalisation of the world economy, saying that it was eroding conditions for wor...

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An international Congress of trade unions has slammed the globalisation of the world economy, saying that it was eroding conditions for workers and creating social injustice, a statement said. Union leaders also warned that International Monetary Fund (IMF) rescue deals extended to three key Asian economies battered by economic crises — Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea could further endanger workers’ rights. "Globalisation has not only affected Thailand’s workers, but workers all over the world," a statement by Union leaders from across the world said. The Union leaders said that Thailand, which has seen its once booming economy shattered in recent months, was "a Prime example of the effects of globalisation."

"Globalisation has meant a weaker negotiating capacity and constant degradation of working conditions," WLC President Willy Peirens said. He said that free trade zones and export processing zones created injustice through unequal tax levels, low salaries and by attracting migrant workers which undermined workers’ rights. The WCL is aiming to set out its strategy on the globalisation which is affecting all but the most hermitic nations on earth during its five-day meeting here which ends on Saturday.

Toyota warns 1997 Camry customers of possible defect

Toyota Motor Sales of the United States said it would alert 287,000 owners of the 1997 Camry to a possible ignition lock defect and ask them to have the vehicles inspected. Toyota spokesman John Hanson said 27 owners had noticed a problem with what he called the "key interlock solenoid."

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In these cases, he explained, drivers were able to remove the key from the ignition after stopping the vehicle and leaving it in "drive" or "neutral." Ordinarily, a driver must shift to "park" to remove the key. Six of the 27 owners also reported that after removing the key with the car in Either "drive" or "neutral" the vehicle rolled forward and bumped into objects, according to Hanson. The incidents did minor damage but caused no injuries, he added.

Philippines deplores decision on port

The Philippine government said it regrets judicial action taken in favor of a Hong Kong firm on a multi million-dollar container terminal project in the former US naval base of Subic Bay. The Supreme Court, acting on a petition from Hutchison Ports Philippines Ltd. provisionally banned the government from conducting a second tender on the project. The contract had been withheld from Hutchison Ports last year after President Fidel Ramos cancelled the result of the tender won by the company, a joint venture by Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. and the Guoco Group. "The action of the Supreme Court in issuing a TRO (temporary restraining order) against the SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) to stop the rebidding for the operation and management of the Subic Bay Free Port is regrettable," Ramos’ legal adviser Renato Cayetano said. The ruling effectively derailed the December 5 tender.