Industrial zone workers in Myanmar stage demonstration for higher wages

Hundreds of workers in Hlaingtharya Industrial Zone in Myanmar's Yangon staged demonstration Sunday in demand of designating higher minimum daily wages as 4,000 kyats (about 3.62 U.S. dollars).

Myanmar's National Minimum Wage Committee proposed on June 29 a negotiable minimum 8-hour daily wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3.27 U. S. dollars) for all workers in the country after conclusion of one year's coordination between the government, employers and labor representatives.

The committee comprising ministerial representatives, employers and labor organizations also invited feedback from the public on its recommended minimum daily wage for workers, setting a deadline for July 13 for the feedback submission to be further forwarded to the parliament for final adoption.

While up to five workers' federations and one trade union agreed on the government-set rate, Myanmar's garment entrepreneurs objected the proposed rate which is to be raised from 2,500 kyats offered, arguing that if the government rate is finally adopted, then their factories will be forced to close down in September.

According to the Garment Entrepreneurs' Association, more than 30 factories with foreign investment in Yangon expressed their intent to shut down in September if the proposed minimum wages take effect on Sept. 1.

The intended closure of the 30 factories may result in more than 70,000 people jobless.