Workers Call For Rise In Minimum Wage

[george]

Workers call for rise in minimum wage

BANGKOK: -- A key labour union yesterday called on the Thai government to raise the minimum wage by at least Bt10, noting that workers were struggling to cope in the face of soaring fuel prices and the rising price of consumer goods.

Miss Arunee Srito, deputy head of the Integrated Women's Labour Union and advisor to the Unemployed Network, told reporters that rising prices were having a huge impact on workers, who were having to face the burden of higher costs.

Pointing the finger at the government for failing to control prices, she said that union leaders would propose to the government that the minimum wage be raised by at least Bt10.

The proposals will be discussed with the main clothing workers union tomorrow and by other groups on 3 July, before being submitted to the cabinet.

Miss Arunee warned that unless the minimum wage was raised, workers would no longer even be able to afford three meals a day or basic travel expenses.

--TNA 2005-06-25