Labor Ministry monitors impact of minimum wage hike

BANGKOK, Jan 29 (TNA) -- The Labor Minister has ordered officials to monitor the impact on the latest wage hike on workers and their employees and find ways to ease their difficulties. Ministry of Labor spokesperson Petcharat Sinauy said that following the Tripartite Wage Committee's approval of the 2018 minimum wage hike, Labour Minister Pol Gen Adul Sangsingkeo has ordered that a closely minitor the situation. Both the ministries of Commerce and Industry have been told to look at the possibility of introducing measures to lessen impact of the wage hikes on businesses. The Tripartite National Wage Committee consented to a 5-22 baht per day increase in wages on January 17 and the hikes will become effective on April 1. Academics stated that the hike corresponded to the overall economic situation and would greatly help productivity. The next step woulda be for the government and the private sector to join forces to enhance workforce skills to further enhance productivity values. The labor union groups, meanwhile, stated that the new minimum wage for 2018 is the highest on record but advises the government to keep a strong grip on local prices of goods and push businesses to setup an annual Compensation Structure. Furthermore, priority must be given to providing medium and small operators with the necessary support in order to revitalise the economy. (TNA)