Some workers laid off on wage hike

Two textile factories in Buriram have laid off 120 workers, to maintain the operating cost after the minimum wage hike.

Nataya Saengsakul, a labour officer in the province, said that more could lose their jobs. The provincial labour office has coordinated with companies in and outside the province, to relocate some 10,000 jobs. A job fair will also be launched.

Meanwhile, Anchalee Sinthuphan, a labour officer in Nakhon Ratchasima, said that since January 1, 800 workers have been laid off as factories reduced cost to match with declining orders.

In December, 550 workers were put out of jobs on the same reason.

Anchalee expressed concern on labour-intensive industries which are of high number in the province. These factories may be unable to cope with the higher minimum wage, but this will be apparent in the next few months.

Yet, she admitted that the province’s labour demand remains high with new factories being constructed. The higher wage will ease the shortage, as local workers would be encouraged to find jobs in their hometown.