PUBLISHED : 22 Sep 2024 at 08:02
A nationwide wage increase has hit yet another roadblock as a crucial vote has reached an impasse. The tripartite wage committee was unable to achieve quorum during the scheduled vote on the proposed 400-baht wage hike.
The committee meeting that was supposed to take place on Friday was postponed to the following Tuesday due to a lack of attendance. At least ten out of the fifteen committee members must be present for the vote to proceed, but only nine members were in attendance.
Data revealed that four government representatives and two employee representatives were absent, while all five employer representatives participated in the meeting. The situation has worsened, threatening further delays in the wage discussion.
Labour officials disclosed that Methee Supapong, previously representing the Bank of Thailand and serving on the committee, officially retired from public service over a year ago. After inquiring with the bank about Methee’s employment status, the bank confirmed that he no longer has any legal affiliation with them, resulting in his removal from the committee.
Labour Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien emphasized the necessity of all fifteen members being present for the vote, noting, “We must wait for that.”
Methee remained on the committee after his retirement, but the Bank of Thailand’s recent communication effectively nullified his role. “In practice, [Methee] should refrain from attending meetings and allow someone else to take his place,” Pairoj indicated.
However, finding a suitable replacement for Methee may take additional time. The cabinet must appoint his successor, a process which could last up to 15 days. Following this, a wage meeting could be organized within a week of the new appointment being published in the Royal Gazette. Notably, Pairoj is set to retire himself as the new fiscal year begins on October 1.
Pairoj opted not to comment on reports suggesting Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, the director at the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, visited the Labour Ministry just to leave upon realizing the quorum was not achieved. Had he entered the meeting, the quorum requirement would have been satisfied.
