On July 23, 2019, at 17.00 hours, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour Mrs. Phattana Phanfak, attended a meeting to exchange views with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), representatives of ASEAN labour unions and representatives of the Asian and Pacific labour unions under the topic of “minimum wages” at the BITEC Bangna Exhibition Center.
The meeting exchanged ideas in 3 topics including 1) Thailand ASEAN chairmanship under the concept of “Collaboration and Sustainability” and key issues of labour driven under the ASEAN Ministerial Labour Cooperation Framework following the ASEAN Labour Minister’s plan 2016-2020, such as promotion of employment productivity, promotion of skilled workers, establishments with occupational safety and health and expanding social protection. An explanation was provided on the process of creating a new plan in 2021-2025 which focuses on the future of work, environmentally friendly jobs, development of professional skills, learning throughout the ages and social protection 2) Minimum wages with a presentation on the minimum wage calculation system through the wage committee mechanism which has tripartite characteristics. It reviews wages every year to meet the cost of living. Thailand is one of the countries with the highest minimum wage compared to other ASEAN member countries, such as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and 3) Social security with a presentation on actions at the national level regarding social security and compensation funds. Each fund has different benefits such as illness coverage, accidents during work and childbirth for example, and there is a comprehensive social insurance for unemployed and employees in the informal sector as well.
At the end, meeting participants were interested in exchanging opinions on various issues. A summary of the 3 main points were: 1) Considering the minimum wage floor concept that ASEAN member states should consider to determine the formula for calculating wages based on the cost burden and reduce the gap on the minimum wage of each member country which will be beneficial for solving labour migration problems and encouraging access to valuable work 2) Increasing the role of tripartite participation and social partners in preparing for the future of the work and driving the ASEAN Labuor Minister’s plan.
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News & photos by Bureau of International Cooperation/
24 July 2019
