The Lao Government has decided to raise the monthly minimum wage from 1.2 million LAK (nearly 70 USD) to 1.3 million LAK starting on May 1 to ease difficulties facing workers amid soaring inflation and economic uncertainties.
A consumer shops at a supermarket in Vientiane, Laos (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) – The LaoGovernment has decided to raise the monthly minimum wage from 1.2 million LAK (nearly70 USD) to 1.3 million LAK starting on May 1 to ease difficulties facingworkers amid soaring inflation and economic uncertainties.
The decision was made at the Lao Government’smeeting held on April 25 - 26 under the chair of Prime Minister SonexaySiphandone.
In 2022, as workers’ life was hithard by soaring inflation, the Lao Federation of Trade Unions Central Committeeproposed the monthly minimum wage be increased to 1.5 million LAK.
However, the Lao National Chamber ofCommerce and Industry opposed, saying that the wage hike would negativelyimpact enterprises which were also struggling with difficulties.
Aside from the minimum wage rise, PMSonexay Siphandone told the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to work withrelated sectors to consider how the increase is relevant to the current economicsituation.
He also asked ministries and sectorsto conduct an in-depth study on wage hikes and report results to the Governmentin the third quarter of this year./.
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A consumer shops at a supermarket in Vientiane, Laos (Photo: VNA) 
