Internet Access Implementation to Labor Congress of Thailand (LCT) Proposed by Wassana Siangdung LCT, Thailand

Problem zPoor communication among LCT sites and between LCT and other Trade Unions because of high communication costs especially cost of the telephone call. zLCT also has a limited budget. zIt brings to slow labor movement and poor solidarity.

Present Situation and Resources zAt LCT Head Office, there are y4 full time officers (including a president) with lack of English and IT skill y3 personal computers without internet connection y3 telephone lines; 2 for regular call and 1 for fax

The Desired Situation zTo drive the labor movement, internet access would be provided as a tool to serve the internal communication within LCT and among trade unions as well.

The Objectives 1. To fully utilize the internet access within LCT head office and LCT local offices in one year. 2. To nationally communicate among Trade Unions via internet.

Expect Outcomes zShort term Plan (1 year) yThe internet system / LANs will be installed in LCT office and LCT local sites. yLCT leaders and activists must be able to use and internet to provide and contribute their activities to other members by using Solicomm and conference.

Expect Outcomes (cont.) zLong Term Plan (3-5 years) yIT can be utilized for trade union movement at the national and international level.

Target Group 1. LCT officers (a pioneer) 2. LCT activists and LCT leaders 3. Trade union activists from other trade unions (in future).

Activities 1. Survey the current resources; human resource and facilities. 2. Upgrade PCs (if needed) and modem installation. 3. Add one more telephone line for dial-up connection (if needed). 4. Set up the networking system (LANs / WANs)

Activities (cont.) 5. Survey LCT officers’ computer skill. 6. Provide IT training to LCT officers (in Thai platform). 7. Follow up 8. Set the next IT training for LCT activists.

Evaluation System 1. After one year, the cost of communication will be decreased by 50%. 2. Labor activities will be increased. 3. Economical evaluation in terms of Return on Investment (ROI).

Risk 1. Attitude of leadership 2. Budget 3. LCT officers cooperation.

Preliminary Budget : $900 zModem / PC card modem zEthernet LANs and cable z1 telephone line and its accessory zUpgrading computers zHigh Speed Internet Connection (or dial- up) zOther operating and maintenance cost

Alternative Solution zUse computer and internet access from Thai Labour Museum (with some expense) to train LCT officers on IT.