Labor group gives Thai government deadline

BANGKOK, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- The Thai government has a limited number of days to step down or face a nationwide strike by members of 43 labor unions, labor officials say.

The State Enterprise Labor Relations Confederation designated next Tuesday as the official deadline for the government to step down, threatening a major workforce stoppage if its demand is not met, The Bangkok Post reported Saturday.

Confederation Secretary-General Sawit Kaewwan said the walkout also would go into effect if the Thai government uses force against People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrators.

Alliance protesters are expected to rally against the government Sunday and call upon the country's Parliament to vote Monday against a constitution amendment bill.

Sawit said his group wants to see Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat resign his post by Tuesday to avoid a debilitating labor strike.

The Post said the potential strike could also be upgraded to include shutting off all electricity and water to the Parliament building as a means of enforcing the confederation's demands.