TCC endorses committee to alleviate troubles
Amidst economic challenges faced by both the global and Thai economies, due to factors such as trade tensions, the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, and a slowdown in the domestic tourism industry, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has proposed a Joint Public-Private Labour Committee (JPLC) to address labor issues in Thailand.
The JPLC aims to foster collaboration between public and private sectors, bringing together representatives from both sides to find solutions that benefit the labor market and support economic growth. The committee will focus on pressing labor issues such as workforce skills development, labor market flexibility, and regulatory challenges.
The proposal for the JPLC was raised during a meeting between business representatives and Labour Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit. Currently, wage rates for skilled labour cover only 129 professions, according to the TCC, and they have urged the ministry to expedite the announcement of wage rates for all 280 professions.
The TCC also insists that any adjustment to the daily minimum wages should be in accordance with Section 87 of the Labour Protection Act. This is expected to support Thailand's efforts to return to Tier 1 in the US Trafficking in Persons Report.
Moreover, the TCC has urged the employment of people with disabilities, the elderly, and former military conscripts to supplement the labor market demand. They also emphasised the importance of working closely with the private sector in managing migrant workers and preventing child labour, human trafficking, and promoting good labour practices.
Mr Poj, the TCC's president, mentioned that nearly 30,000 workplaces have adopted good labour practices, benefiting over 2.2 million employees. The establishment of the JPLC reflects the TCC's commitment to addressing labor challenges collaboratively and its role as a key voice in promoting economic stability and growth in Thailand.
While specific recommendations from the JPLC are not yet detailed, it is likely that the committee will focus on policy reforms, training initiatives, and regulatory adjustments to support labor market resilience and adaptability. The formation of the JPLC is a significant step towards strengthening the labor market in Thailand and ensuring economic stability in the face of current challenges.
The JPLC intends to merge the perspectives of public and private sectors, working collectively to address pressing labor issues and faciliate economic growth, including workforce skills development, labor market flexibility, and regulatory challenges within the broader business and finance sectors. The committee's objectives also encompass advocating for the expeditious declaration of wage rates for all 280 professions, as urged by the TCC.
