Regional minimum wages may increase by 6.5 per cent in 2018

The number was announced by the representative of the National Salary Council at the third meeting organised this morning to discuss the increase of regional minimum wages in 2018.

Accordingly, if the prime minister approves, from early 2018 the minimum wages will be increased by an extra of VND180,000-230,000 ($7.91-10.11), depending on the region. (See the table below)

According to newswire Tuoitre, at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs cum chairman of the National Salary Council Doan Mau Diep said that after discussions, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) put two figures (7 and 6.5 per cent) to vote. As the result, eight out of 14 members voted in favour of the 6.5 per cent plan, and the remaining members selected the 7 per cent plan.

Earlier at the first meeting, various options for the raise were recommended, including increases of 5, 6, and 6.8 per cent. Specifically, the National Salary Council proposed the highest increase of 13.3 per cent, while VCCI proposed an increase of less than 5 per cent or even keeping wages unchanged.

At the second meeting, after numerous discussions, there was a slight change in proposals. Notably, the National Salary Council recommended the a figure of 8 per cent, while VCCI’s figure was 5 per cent, however, relevant authorities still failed to reach a compromise.

Since January 1, 2017, the regional minimum wage rate applicable for employees working for enterprises in Region I is VND3.75 million ($164.85) per month, VND3.32 million ($145.94) per month in Region II, and VND2.9 million ($127.48) per month in Region III, and VND2.58 million ($113.41) per month in Region IV. The rates are 7.3 per cent higher than those in 2016.

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