Thursday, September 16, 7:30 p.m., Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn

NO BENEFITS FOR WORKERS IN A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THAILAND.

The New Zealand and Thai governments are negotiating a free trade agreement. They want to have the deal signed by November 2004 - regardless of the answers to the following questions: Is it fair to workers? Is it democratic? Is it environmentally friendly? Is it a good deal?

NZ politicians argue these agreements help third world workers. Hear how a free trade agreement between Thailand and New Zealand would hurt jobs, wages and working conditions, and damage the environment in both Thailand and NZ.

Speakers from Thailand: Dr Jakkrit Kuanpoth associate professor of law at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Ms Sripai Nonsee, labour organiser and ex-factory worker. From NZ - Jane Kelsey, Professor of Law, Auckland University.

Tour supporters include: Action Research Education Network Aotearoa, Asia Pacific Workers Solidarity Links, Brass Razoo Solidarity Band, Campaign Against Foreign Control in Aotearoa, Clothing, Laundry and Allied Workers Union, Envision New Zealand, Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, MADENZ, NZ Council of Trade Unions, Trade Aid.

For more information on what's wrong with the deal and how to object to it, write to/e-mail Fair World Links, P.O. Box 13 367,Wellington 6004 links@actrix.co.nz

PHOTOS OF VISIT TO REBEL SPORTS http://www.greens.org.nz/campaigns/trade/thai_tour/photo_gallery_thai_trade_tour.htm This Nike rain coat cost $159.99 at Rebel Sports. Rebel Sport is 100% owned by the Briscoe Group. Briscoe made a profit of 23.6 million (after tax) for the year to January 2004. Rod Duke owns 75% of the company.

Sripai is surprised to find that this Nike jacket, which was made at Par Garments where she used to work, cost so much in New Zealand. Workers like her are only paid 78 cents per hour; it takes less than two hours to cut and sew a complex jacket like this one. Should Rod Duke make such a large profit when workers like Sripai are paid so little?

Greens Trade spokesperson Rod Donald has worked out that Sripai would have to work 205 hours to buy this Nike jacket at Rebel Sport. Sripai says she could never afford to buy the clothes she used to make. Is this fair trade?

Mike

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