On a vibrant National Labour Day in Bangkok, representatives of workers’ organisations proudly marched, filling the streets with their demands for fair treatment and acknowledgement. Yet, behind the scenes, a pivotal decision hung in the balance. The much-anticipated nationwide wage hike faced another setback as the crucial vote by the tripartite wage committee hit a stalemate.
Originally scheduled for Friday, the vote on the 400-baht wage increase proposal was postponed due to an insufficient number of attendees. The meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, but the hurdles seemed far from over. To proceed, at least 10 members of the 15-member committee must be present, but this quorum was not met.
A source revealed that only nine members turned up for the meeting; notably absent were six members, including four government representatives and two from the employee side. All five employer reps were remarkably present, a sign of readiness from that quarter. However, a fresh complication has emerged, potentially pushing the vote even further into the future.
Labour permanent secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien announced a surprising twist on Saturday. Methee Supapong, who was representing the Bank of Thailand (BoT) and a government member of the committee, had actually retired from public service a year ago. Upon inquiring about his current employment status, the BoT confirmed that Methee no longer legally represents them. This revelation effectively vacated his seat on the committee and threw the entire schedule into disarray.
“All 15 committee members must be present for the wage vote to take place,” emphasized Mr. Pairoj. With Methee out, the vote could face delays beyond the Tuesday meeting. When Mr. Methee initially retired, the BoT continued to endorse his committee role, but the recent confirmation from BoT nullified his position, leaving a critical gap.
“In practice, [Mr. Methee] should refrain from attending meetings and allow someone else to take his place,” added Mr. Pairoj. However, the process of appointing a replacement is far from quick. The Cabinet holds the responsibility for approving a successor, which could take up to 15 days. Once ratified and announced in the Royal Gazette, the committee can reconvene and schedule the wage meeting within a week. Ironically, by then, Mr. Pairoj himself will have retired as the new fiscal year begins on October 1.
Speculation swirled around the absence of other committee members. Notably, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office under the Commerce Ministry, and one of the four government representatives, reportedly appeared at the Labour Ministry for the meeting. However, upon learning that the quorum was not met, he left before the session could commence. According to a source, had he joined, the needed quorum would have been achieved.
The unfolding drama puts the fate of the wage hike in limbo, adding to the tension and anticipation among workers expecting concrete outcomes. It underscores the intricate dance of bureaucracy, where timing, presence, and legal statuses play crucial roles in decision-making.
As the days tick by, the workers’ organizations and their representatives wait with bated breath, hoping that the stars align, allowing the wage hike vote to proceed without further hindrance. Only time will tell if the laborious process of governance will deliver the fairness and recognition they marched for on May 1.
Why is it so hard for a committee to meet its quorum? This wage hike is crucial for so many workers!
I think it’s intentional. They probably don’t want the wage hike to go through so they keep delaying.
That’s a pretty cynical view. Maybe it’s just bureaucratic incompetence.
Either way, it’s the workers who are getting penalized.
Honestly, 400 baht isn’t even enough. The cost of living in Bangkok is ridiculous!
Agreed! It’s barely a Band-Aid on a gaping wound.
While I agree, getting any increase through this government is a miracle.
Employer reps were there but not the government ones? Sounds fishy to me.
Exactly! It’s like the government is sabotaging its own committee.
Or maybe they’re just procrastinating as usual.
OMG, the bureaucracy in our country is beyond a joke. This is why we can never get anything done.
This issue shows the deep-rooted inefficiency in governance. The committee should have known about the retirement issue earlier.
You have a point. This level of negligence is inexcusable.
Do they really need all 15 members to vote? That seems excessive.
Right? Even companies manage to make decisions without full attendance.
Guys, it’s all about power. This delay benefits someone high up. Follow the money.
Classic conspiracy theory talk.
Just saying, it wouldn’t be the first time!
It’s always the simplest things that get caught up in the most red tape. Smh.
Perhaps the workers should strike until the vote is conducted.
Striking always hurts the workers more than anyone else though.
True, but sometimes you have to take drastic action for change.
Did they really let a retired guy be in the committee? How is that even possible?
Welcome to bureaucracy, where everything is possible!
Honestly, it’s just incompetence all around. No wonder workers are losing faith.
Maybe the wage hike isn’t the solution we need. How about better jobs and training?
You’re right, but that’s a long-term solution. People need relief NOW.
How is this different from any other government failure? It’s the same story every time.
Because this affects people’s daily lives directly. Wage increases can mean the difference between eating and starving.
This is so infuriating! I hope they resolve it soon.
It’s kind of symbolic that the vote keeps getting pushed. Just like workers’ rights have been forever delayed.
Sad but true. When will we truly value our labor force?
Workers should just demand their wages directly. Enough of these commitees.
Direct action sounds good but it could lead to chaos.