Wage hikes likely fixed by today

The particular tripartite committee thinking of minimum daily wage hikes is anticipated to reach its ultimate decision today amid worry that too much of an increase could be detrimental to workers and businesses.

The particular committee is displayed by employees, companies and government organisations including the Ministry associated with Commerce, the Bank associated with Thailand and economists.

Even though many employers sitting within the board of the Employers’ Confederation of Thailand (ECT) accepted a wage rise of between 7% plus 10%, employers from SMEs found them excessive given the particular slow economy, mentioned Boonchob Suthamanaswong, permanent secretary for work.

They are expected to be introduced between October plus January, he stated.

He noted Udon Thani, Mukdahan and Nan have not proposed new rates while some provinces have floated considerably higher wage hikes than others within the same zone, mentioned Mr Boonchob, whom also chairs the committee.

Too-high wages could draw workers away from neighbouring provinces, making a glut in one location and shortages somewhere else, he warned.

An informed supply said the wage committee is likely to decide on the new wage prices today but leave the launch date for later talks.

Meanwhile, prices of consumer items will climb more as a result of these increasing labour costs, cautioned Nuttanan Wichitaksorn, an economist at the Thailand Development Research Company (TDRI).

As such, any rises should be moderate to permit the government to offer measures to help workers defeat the high cost of living, he said.

He urged more state subsidies with regard to tap water, electricity and free lunches meant for staff, adding the newest rates should also affect migrants.