ABOUT 10,000 workers took to the streets in Yangon over the weekend to demand an increase in the minimum wage.
The workers, who were from 20 labour organisations, marched in Hlaing Tharyar and demanded that the minimum wage be increased to 9,800 kyat from 4,800 kyat, according to The Myanmar Times.
Myan Mhu garment workers union chairman Ko Thwin Aung said the current minimum wage set in 2018 was below the cost of living in the country.
“The rate set by the government is not enough for a family of four. Commodity prices are rapidly rising.
“For a family of four, if three do not work and depend only on one, it is impossible to cope with the rate.
“So, we will demand 9,800 kyat.”
He said protesters came up with the amount after consulting 1,200 garment workers in Hlaing Tharyar since October.
According to Section 5(h) of the Minimum Wages Law, the rate is to be defined every two years. The minimum wage is due for a review by mid year.
“Back in 2018, the minimum wage was set at 4,800 kyat. But prices of rice are going up,” said Ma Malar, another labour union leader.
“I want the government to consider the welfare of workers when they set the minimum wage.”
Another group of protesters marched on Sunday in Shwe Pyi Thar and demanded that the minimum salary for workers be set at 8,000 kyat.
Solidarity Trade Union of Myanmar chief organiser U Zin Wai Aung said a worker needed a minimum wage of 8,000 kyat to be self-sufficient and provide for his family.