Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Workers negotiate pay increase in Mae Sot

Workers at the M Apparel Co. Ltd  in Mae Sot, Thailand, have successfully negotiated a pay increase and better working conditions with assistance from the Labour Protection Office and the MAP Foundation.

The Yaung Chi Oo Worker Association negotiated a pay increase to the rate of the new minimum wage for all workers, including migrant workers. However, migrant workers are sometimes denied such increases and are paid lower wages, said worker sources.

Thailand increased the minimum wage for the region on April 1.  Workers went on a strike on May 15, which lasted 21 days. According to the law, they are now entitled to a minimum wage of 226 baht (US$ 7.1) per 8-hour working day, excluding overtime. Prior to the new law, the minimum wage was 162 baht per day.

Workers said that prior to the successful negotiation, most workers were earning 60-100 baht per day, which included overtime with no days off.

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