Thai labour unions criticise new daily minimum wage

[webfact]

 

The Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation (TLSC) and State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation (SEWRC) expressed disapproval of the new daily minimum wage of 400 baht approved by the tripartite wage committee. The wage increase is only applicable to some areas in 10 provinces, initiating a wave of criticism from the labour unions, who argue that this decision is unjust.

 

According to the unions, this wage discrepancy among workers within the same province will generate inequalities. They argue that despite the cost of basic commodities and services remaining consistent across the provinces, the wage disparity will create an unfair system. They urge the government and Labour Ministry to eliminate wage inequalities and maintain a uniform daily minimum wage of no less than 400 baht (US$11), ideally 492 baht (US$14).

 

In a statement issued by the unions, they categorically labelled the adjustment as the worst change to the country’s wage system. They proposed the minimum wage to serve as the entry-level compensation, insisting on a structured wage system that provides incentives to workers across all businesses. They hinted at possible further action if their demands aren’t met.

Sitthipong Sitthipatprapa, a leading figure among hotel operators in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district, also voiced concerns over the wage increase. He argues that the wage increase will negatively impact businesses, especially since the room prices and service charges in the 10 provinces affected by the wage increase vary.

The hotel association in Hat Yai-Songkhla is planning a discussion over the wage increase and is considering submitting a plea to the government for a review of the decision.

 

Pairoj Chotikasathien, permanent secretary for the Labour Ministry and chairman of the committee, clarified that the wage increase would apply to tourism-related businesses and four-star hotels with a minimum of 50 employees, reported Bangkok Post.

 

The wage increase is set to be effective from April 13 and will be implemented in specific areas including Bangkok’s Pathumwan and Watthana districts, Chiang Mai’s Nakhon Chiang Mai municipality, all of Phuket, the area under the jurisdiction of tambon Ao Nang administrative organisation in Krabi, Songkhla’s Hat Yai municipality, Surat Thani’s Koh Samui district, Phang Nga’s tambon Khuk Khak municipality, Pattaya City in Chon Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Hua Hin municipality and Rayong’s tambon Ban Phae.

 

by Mitch Connor

Business proposal purchase hands holding money. Picture courtesy of rawpixel, Freepik

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-28

 

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[mfd101]

Nice to see that (1) unions exist in this country (not noticeable in Isaan I think) (2) they are trying to contribute to government policy. Good for them.

 

Unfortunately, a large part of Thailand's workforce (30%? 50%? 60%? ...) is in the 'informal' part of the economy ie workers who have no officially-recognized employment in a company, no officially-recognized employer, no officially-recognized income, and no due income tax ... They are - as it were, by definition - unable to be helped, at least by the unions.

[Will B Good]

33 minutes ago, webfact said:

 

Pairoj Chotikasathien, permanent secretary for the Labour Ministry and chairman of the committee

It was reported elsewhere that he said this should be considered a "gift" from the government......talk about optics....numpty.

[Rampant Rabbit]

a  time an motion study may show a lot of them are overpaid........imo

[dinsdale]

To afford a minimum payrise to a minority and only in specific areas and a particular sector of a single industry is just ludicrous beyond words.

Edited March 28 by dinsdale

[hotchilli]

47 minutes ago, Rampant Rabbit said:

a  time an motion study may show a lot of them are overpaid........imo

Time and motion has a different meaning in Thailand

[RichardColeman]

Go on, put it up to a high min wage and watch the total destruction of the recycling business 'inter-people' and the huge dumping of plastic, bottles, tins and cardboard as it becomes cheaper to dump it than recycle it

[ikke1959]

Good that unions step in... And it is not true that it will have a negative impact.. The high ranked personnel and owners could get some less profit, but greed is everything. Don't forget if people have more to spend they buy more and who will benefit of that??? Indeed the companies that now cry fool. Maybe people who are against more minimum wage should at least live 2 months with the current day wages to see if they can manage

Edited March 28 by ikke1959

[john donson]

wait till thai wages become too expensive and many business will flee to cheaper countries...

 

ex works for big international OIL company... after the sold all their gas stations

 

now it is time to outsource many services to poland... cheaper than her salary that went from 30k to now 80k+ bonus in 10 years....