PM firm on 11 baht wage rise decision

Labour unions are increasing the pressure on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to keep his promise of a minimum daily wage of 250 baht, but the premier insists the state will only permit a rise of 11 baht on average.

Labourers in Phuket, where the daily wage is 204 baht, will get an 11 baht rise, while a similar rise will probably be granted in several other developed provinces, including Bangkok, a national wage committee source said.

Wage rises in other provinces will vary according to the prevailing daily pay and the cost of living, Mr Abhisit said in Bangkok on Saturday.

With unions becoming increasingly agitated and looking to the opposition for assistance, Mr Abhisit reiterated yesterday that the government had "done its best" to ensure fairness.

He said the government's representatives were only a part of the tripartite National Wage Committee, which also comprises representatives of employers and employees.

They had been told to propose a greater wage increase than the average of two to three baht given in previous years but the final decision rested with the committee, Mr Abhisit said.

Union coordinator Jirawat Ponwiang said Mr Abhisit had promised in June to adjust the minimum wage to 250 baht a day and he should keep his word.

The unions on Tuesday petitioned deputy Puea Thai Party leader Charuphong Ruangsuwan, a former permanent secretary for labour, to pressure the prime minister into keeping his promise.

The wage committee rejected the 250-baht minimum wage proposal as such a steep rise - 21% in the case of Bangkok where the minimum wage is 206 baht a day - would hurt the economy.

The employers' representatives argued the increase should correspond with their ability to pay.

Meanwhile, Mr Abhisit said the government would establish a new institution under the PM's Office to set "qualification standards" for graduates from vocational schools to assess and certify their knowledge and skills.

The institution will also set salary rates based on performance.

"This will boost employers' confidence over the qualifications of vocational graduates and then adjust wages to match their certified abilities," Mr Abhisit said.