Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is confident that a fresh daily minimum wage hike to 400 baht nationwide could be introduced on Oct 1 along with measures to assist affected businesses.
The minister's remarks on Wednesday come amid uncertainty surrounding the upcoming meeting of the tripartite wage committee on Friday, where the proposed 400-baht minimum wage nationwide will be discussed.
The wage committee, comprising employees, employers and the government, met on Monday to push the government's 400-baht minimum wage policy.
However, five employers' representatives did not show up, claiming they had other engagements. A new meeting is scheduled for on Friday to review the wage rise proposal, which will apply to companies or factories with at least 200 workers.
Mr Phiphat said that whether or not the employers' representatives turn up for Friday's meeting, the remaining members will proceed with the debate as a vote of two-thirds of the committee is needed to adopt the 400-baht wage policy.
"I'll do my best to have it implemented and I believe the employers are awaiting the pay rise. I understand the wage increase will affect the employers.
"I came from the business sector, and the companies within our group will be affected significantly. We have about 30,000 employees, and the wage will apply to 20,000 of them. We accept the situation," he said.
Mr Phiphat said he hopes the employers' representatives will attend to discuss the issue. "The limited wage increase...
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