Thai Labour Unions To Sue Govt Over 300 Baht Minimum Wage Promise

[webfact]

We'll sue if govt reneges on Bt300 minimum wage promise: unions

By THANONGSAK MUENNOO

THE NATION

Labour organisations are threatening to take legal action against the government if it fails to honour the ruling party's election policy of raising the daily minimum wage to Bt300 across the country by January.

"Failure to honour the election policy is a legal offence under the 2007 law about the election of MPs," Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC) chairman Chalee Loysoong said yesterday.

He was speaking at a seminar on wage policies at the Century Park Hotel in Bangkok.

Labour organisations have stepped up pressure on the government after the Pheu Thai-led administration unveiled a plan to increase the daily minimum wage to Bt300 first in just seven provinces -Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Phuket.

Although Labour Minister Padermchai Sasomsap assured that the daily minimum wage in other provinces would significantly rise in January and soar to Bt300 in less than two years, representatives from the labour organisations were not satisfied.

Confederation of Thai Labour (CTL) chairman Manas Kosol said all branches of superstores sold commodities at the same price and all workers, regardless of which provinces they were based in, should enjoy the Bt300 daily wage.

A statement signed by TLSC and its allies today said workers voted for the Pheu Thai Party because of its promise to raise the daily minimum wage to Bt300 across the country.

"We, therefore, call on the government to honour its election policy for the reduction of inequality and the better life of workers/employees," Chalee read from the statement.

State Enterprise Workers Relation Confederation (Serc) secretary-general Sawit Kaewwan added that the minimum wage of Bt300 a day should be applied to farm hands and alien workers too.

"If the government can't do so, please step down," he said.

Chalee said TLSC and its allies would gather the signatures of about five million workers in initiating the lawsuit against the government if it did not raise the daily minimum wage to Bt300 in all provinces by January.

His alliance now plans to seek a meeting with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on October 7 to ask for clarification of her government's labour policy.

Chalee said according to a survey, the cost of living had already soared above Bt300 per head per day in 16 provinces. The survey covered 3,660 workers in 16 provinces including Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Angthong and Prachin Buri.

"Workers want a fair rate of wage. The current daily minimum wage is not sufficient for them," Chalee insisted.

He also urged the government to

honour the Pheu Thai Party's policy of ensuring a starting salary of Bt15,000 for all bachelor's degree holders.

Employers have been reluctant to welcome the government's promise of a wage hike, saying the sudden increase in wages would hurt small and medium-sized businesses and lead to layoffs.

-- The Nation 2011-09-06

[siampolee]

A statement signed by TLSC and its allies today said workers voted for the Pheu Thai Party because of its promise to raise the daily minimum wage to Bt300 across the country.

Basically a superb scam by the P.T.P. to garner votes without actually paying for them from it owners coffers, the gullible electors fell for it too.

[Bakseedaa]

A statement signed by TLSC and its allies today said workers voted for the Pheu Thai Party because of its promise to raise the daily minimum wage to Bt300 across the country.

Basically a superb scam by the P.T.P. to garner votes without actually paying for them from it owners coffers, the gullible electors fell for it too.

Yes, if it is so easy to lie and hoodwink the voters, I say my party will give every voter a new Toyota Truck, build them a new house and give them free holidays in Phuket, all expenses paid... Move over Yinluck.... you are OutaLuck..! But what dummies those Krimson Kretins are...!

[virtualtraveller]

The wolves are at the door...you can fool some of the people some of the time but you can't fool...

[Crushdepth]

PTP shot themselves in the head with this promise.

[Thaddeus]

But it was just election speak.... don't the proles understand that.

[webfact]

Govt Assures Wage Hike Next Year

The government insists the daily minimum wage hike to 300 baht a day and the entry state salary rise for new graduates to 15,000 baht a month will come into effect in the beginning of next year.

Deputy Prime Minister Kittirat Na Ranong said the planned salary rise for new graduates in the state sector to 15,000 baht should be launched by the beginning of 2012 given it is among the campaign promises of the Pheu Thai-led government.

Kittirat detailed the government has prepared roughly 25 billion baht in budget to fund the salary increase for civil servants whose pay is still under 15,000 baht.

He said the rise will also be applicable to those who receive a monthly extra allowance.

The minister said the pay rise does not need to be approved by the Cabinet as it will be financed through the allocation of the government's regular spending on public administration.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Padermchai Sasomsap reiterated the planned minimum wage hike to 300 baht a day will be implemented and insisted the readjustment must satisfy both workers and their employers.

He said the 300-baht daily minimum wage will be piloted in seven provinces by January 1 next year before it is gradually implemented in 70 other provinces.

Those seven provinces are Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Phuket.

However, the minister said workers' skills and efficiency must also be developed to be worth the pay rise.

-- Tan Network 2011-09-06

[jcgodber]

A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage – Herbert Hoover

[DP25]

Good thing they have the red shirts to "deal" with any protests

If the leaders can't be bought off, they'll get a dose of red shirt democracy

[Microwave]

The government insists the daily minimum wage hike to 300 baht a day and the entry state salary rise for new graduates to 15,000 baht a month will come into effect in the beginning of next year.

Deputy Prime Minister Kittirat Na Ranong said the planned salary rise for new graduates in the state sector to 15,000 baht should be launched by the beginning of 2012 given it is among the campaign promises of the Pheu Thai-led government.

Kittirat detailed the government has prepared roughly 25 billion baht in budget to fund the salary increase for civil servants whose pay is still under 15,000 baht.

A. I always had the impression that the 15,000 baht starting salary for new university graduates was for ALL new bachelors degree graduates and not just for newly minted bachelor degree graduates entering the state sector only.

B. The 300 baht a day minimum wage will be piloted in just 7 provinces at first, and the "workers' skills and efficiency must also be developed to be worth the pay rise".

Yellow flip-flop clacking thingies coming soon? ~

[Pib]

Chalee said TLSC and its allies would gather the signatures of about five million workers in initiating the lawsuit against the government if it did not raise the daily minimum wage to Bt300 in all provinces by January.

Well, the signatures are not rearlly needed to launch a lawsuit but the effort to get the signatures would create much more awareness of the issue and much more sweat under the collar of the PTP....politicians don't like to sweat.

[blabla1]

THAT"S NOT FAIR!!!!!!!!! We voted for you because you promised.................. :lol: :lol: hmmm gullible comes to mind.

[OzMick]

Remember that the B15,000 starting salary does not include teachers. What message does that give to new graduates?

One small step for Public Service, one giant leap backwards for Education. (sorry, Neil)

[DP25]

Chalee said TLSC and its allies would gather the signatures of about five million workers in initiating the lawsuit against the government if it did not raise the daily minimum wage to Bt300 in all provinces by January.

Well, the signatures are not rearlly needed to launch a lawsuit but the effort to get the signatures would create much more awareness of the issue and much more sweat under the collar of the PTP....politicians don't like to sweat.

Gonna take a lot of effort, they're gonna run in to trouble trying to collect signatures in the red shirt villages in Isaan

[chainarong]

You just can't go past that John Howard from Australia on this one , you had to watch honest John, you either had a promise and a core promise, now there is a big difference apparently.

[Insight]

However, the minister said workers' skills and efficiency must also be developed to be worth the pay rise.

.. and if not, you're for the chop.

A minimum salary is looong overdue in Thailand and - being honest - 6,000 THB per month really isn't that much. However it wouldn't surprise me if its implementation suffers resistance from PT's own bedfellows. And if it's poorly implemented (as it looks like it's going to be) there's a good chance this will backfire on them through disgruntled supporters.

My own biggest concern is how PT/UDD plan to deal with any protests that kick off. It's pretty clear this time around they won't let themselves be run out of power easily, regardless of how legitimate the reason.

Edited September 6, 2011 by Insight

[Buchholz]

A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage – Herbert Hoover

"I promise that I will make all Thai people rich within six months.” - Thaksin Shinawatra

.

[Siripon]

The government insists the daily minimum wage hike to 300 baht a day and the entry state salary rise for new graduates to 15,000 baht a month will come into effect in the beginning of next year.

Deputy Prime Minister Kittirat Na Ranong said the planned salary rise for new graduates in the state sector to 15,000 baht should be launched by the beginning of 2012 given it is among the campaign promises of the Pheu Thai-led government.

Kittirat detailed the government has prepared roughly 25 billion baht in budget to fund the salary increase for civil servants whose pay is still under 15,000 baht.

A. I always had the impression that the 15,000 baht starting salary for new university graduates was for ALL new bachelors degree graduates and not just for newly minted bachelor degree graduates entering the state sector only.

B. The 300 baht a day minimum wage will be piloted in just 7 provinces at first, and the "workers' skills and efficiency must also be developed to be worth the pay rise".

Yellow flip-flop clacking thingies coming soon? ~

The 15,000 baht salary minimum will just encourage Thais to learn useless degrees like Political Science.

Thailand need more trainees from vocational schools learning skills needed in the market place.

Nobody wanted to be Commerce Minister so Thaksin had to rely on his own employee, Mr Kittirat, from Shinawat University. what a job he has with the crazy rice policy.

[hammered]

The proper place to reject governments that dont honour policies is at the ballot box and not the law courts. If cases were taken out against every government that didnt honour an election promise then there wouldnt be a single government in place in a democracy.

Campaign against PTP, Raise awareness. Hound them. Call for them to resign. Gather signatures. Call for censure. Hold street demos. All of these are legitimate forms of poltical protest and action against government. But not through law courts for policy enactment or lack of it.

[webfact]

5.5 million workers entitled to receive Bt300/day minimum wage rise: Labour Ministry /MCOT

[Colin Yai]

You just can't go past that John Howard from Australia on this one , you had to watch honest John, you either had a promise and a core promise, now there is a big difference apparently.

Of course you much prefer the present Ozzy PM "no carbon tax" "Juliar" Gillard ,one thing about Howard he did 3 terms,by the looks of Ozzy politic's Juliar is going to struggle to finish one :lol: Edited September 6, 2011 by Colin Yai

[RedNIvar]

But it was just election speak.... don't the proles understand that.

The Unions just want their pockets lined. The TVF anti-Taksin mob, have pitchforks in hand. Blind hatred is rendering them unable to rationalize this very basic political strategy. Nothing will come off this.

[Buchholz]

But it was just election speak.... don't the proles understand that.

The Unions just want their pockets lined. The TVF anti-Taksin mob, have pitchforks in hand. Blind hatred is rendering them unable to rationalize this very basic political strategy. Nothing will come off this.

The TVF pro-Thaksin mob fail to recognize that the Pheu Thai Party is adamant in that these election promises will be fulfilled.

Govt Assures Wage Hike Next Year

The government insists the daily minimum wage hike to 300 baht a day and the entry state salary rise for new graduates to 15,000 baht a month will come into effect in the beginning of next year.

[webfact]

5.5 million workers entitled to Bt300/day minimum wage

BANGKOK, Sept 6 - Some 5.5 million people working in factories, trade and services sectors are entitled to receive the government's minimum wage of Bt300/day, according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

The figure was disclosed to Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) chairman Payungsak Chartsuthipol in an informal discussion with ministry permanent secretary Somkiat Chayasriwong and Skill Development Department director-general Jiraporn Kesornsujarit.

FTI agreed with the wage rise, the chairman said, but informed the ministry it should have strategies affecting entrepreneurs the least, particularly small and medium-sized entreprises (SMEs), while asking the Labour Ministry to allow SMEs' wage rise for tax deduction.

FTI also wanted the adjustment period of 3-4 years for the wage hike in order to adapt with the market mechanism. However, the labour ministry has not responded to this request.

The two organisations initially agreed to work together to prepare labour's readiness with, for instance, an orientation for new workers and skill development training for existing workers, while increasing labour potential would be a medium-term strategy.

The Labour Ministry and FTI still differently define 'income', Mr Payungsak said.

The ministry views it as the daily wage, whereas FTI sees it should include other welfares offered to workers in regards to the earning.

As many entrepreneurs already provide some welfare to their workers, the chairman viewed they would face difficulties in adjusting the wage and did not agree if any existing welfare was to be cut.

Mr Payungsak added he would meet with new Labour Minister Phadermchai Sasomsab to congratulate him on his position and to acknowledge his working style with the private sector as well as the Bt300/day minimum wage policy.

Meanwhile, a recent survey by the Bangkok Poll Center of Bangkok University's Research Institute on the government's policy of Bt 15000 salaries for new graduates found that 41 per cent of senior-level undergraduate students in the capital and its vicinity agreed with the policy but were not certain if it would be possible.

Twenty-nine per cent believed it would be possible, while 28 per cent believed otherwise.

Sixty-nine per cent said if the new salary policy becomes effective, private companies might open less job applications, resulting in difficulties in finding jobs and shorter period of employment. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-09-06

[angsta]

Is 6 GBP a day to much to ask?

[scorecard]

Chalee said TLSC and its allies would gather the signatures of about five million workers in initiating the lawsuit against the government if it did not raise the daily minimum wage to Bt300 in all provinces by January.

Well, the signatures are not rearlly needed to launch a lawsuit but the effort to get the signatures would create much more awareness of the issue and much more sweat under the collar of the PTP....politicians don't like to sweat.

And while your at it, demand that they keep their promise of 'everybody will be rich in six months'.

But wait a minute that was the paymaster who said that and he's not involved in politics.

[Skywalker69]

But it was just election speak.... don't the proles understand that.

"The demagogue preaches doctrines he knows to be un true to men he knows to be idiots"

Henry Louis Mencken.

[blabla1]

Is 6 GBP a day to much to ask?

I agree but!!! Are you prepared to pay for the effects of it??I doubt it..

[houseinbkk]

Is 6 GBP a day to much to ask?

I agree but!!! Are you prepared to pay for the effects of it??I doubt it..

Yes. But are companies willing to accept less profit.

Folk such as those builders more then earn 300bht a day, the fact they sell new build poorly made property in Thailand for ludicrous sums shows the money is there for them to be paid.

Maybe rents will have to go down for companies to stay in business, surely this is better then costing the productive worker.

Besides inflation in Thailand has been rampant over the last 6 years imho, people have got to eat!

[Ricardo]

Govt Assures Wage Hike Next Year

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Padermchai Sasomsap reiterated the planned minimum wage hike to 300 baht a day will be implemented and insisted the readjustment must satisfy both workers and their employers.

He said the 300-baht daily minimum wage will be piloted in seven provinces by January 1 next year before it is gradually implemented in 70 other provinces.

Those seven provinces are Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Phuket.

That's quite a step back, from the pre-election promises, that the 300B/day would be immediate and universal across the whole of the country, including those areas which gave PTP it's mandate to rule.

No wonder the workers are revolting, nobody likes to be treated like a fool, good for their representatives for spelling this out to PTP, as they blather on about pilot-schemes in limited-areas next year, and the worthlessness of their campaign-promises is laid bare for all to see.

Edited September 6, 2011 by Ricardo