Wage increase backlash

Wage increase backlash

Labor organizations demand a consistent pay increase.

Wage increase backlash
In July 2022, activists demand a raise to the regular minimum wage outside Government House. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

The bilateral salary agency’s approval of a normal minimum income of 400 baht for some of 10 provinces on Wednesday was criticized by two labor rights organizations as the worst change to the country’s wage system.

The decision to implement the minimum wage increase only in some areas rather than always is unfair, according to the Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation ( TLSC ) and the SEWRC, according to joint remarks from SEWRC and TLSC.

The organizations claimed that wage disparities between workers in the same territory may result in inequalities despite the fact that the prices of goods and services like water, electricity, and internet were comparable.

They reiterated their need for a normal minimum wage of 492 baht, or no less than 400 rmb, and demanded that the government and the labor department stop perpetuating income differences.

Additionally, they argued that the routine minimum wage increase may be put in place consistently.

” This realignment marks the worst shift to the government’s pay system”, their statement said.

The organizations suggested that every company be required to establish a salary structure to provide incentives to employees, and that the regular minimum wage should only be the entry-level wage. If their needs were n’t satisfied, they said they would look into taking action.

However, Sitthipong Sitthipatprapa, president of resort operators in Songkhla’s Hat Yai city, said the new wage increase may had a negative impact on businesses in the area.

The bilateral pay committee’s decision was criticized by Mr. Sitthipong because the 10 provinces where the wage increase is based have different room rates and service fees.

He stated that the Hat Yai-Songkhla hotel organization did hold discussions about the income increase and send a letter to the government to discuss the decision.

According to Pairoj Chotikasathien, continuous director for the Labour Ministry and chairman of the committee, the wage hike may apply to tourism- relevant businesses and four- star hotels with at least 50 employees.

The wage increase may be successful on April 13 and use to Bangkok’s Pathumwan and Watthana districts, Chiang Mai’s Nakhon Chiang Mai town, all of Phuket, the region under the authority of tambon Ao Nang operational organisation in Krabi, Songkhla’s Hat Yai municipality, Surat Thani’s Koh Samui district, Phangnga’s tambon Khuk Khak municipality, Pattaya City in Chon Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Hua Hin municipality and Rayong’s tambon Ban Phae.