“We are discussing all the aspects of a Minimum Wage law and want to have it motioned in parliament at the beginning of June,” he told Mizzima. “Factory owners and representatives are also being consulted.”

However, he cautioned that many factories would close if wages are raised. He urged all parties, including employers and employees, to be prepared to negotiate.

“Monthly salaries should be between 60,000 and 100,000 kyat [US$70 - $117],” he said. “Cleaning staff should be paid at least 60,000 kyat. Some groups are asking for a minimum wage of 90,000 kyat, and the government has also expressed a desire to raise wages. However, the whole issue must be addressed and passed in parliament.”

U Htay, an attorney who works on labor rights issues, said that a temporary resolution should be passed before the Minimum Wage Law is discussed in Naypyitaw. He said he is calling for a daily minimum wage of 2,700 kyat ($3.11).

Ma Chohtetmon, a union leader from Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone 2, said, “At the moment, the daily wage for a worker in the factory is 1,400 kyat ($1.62), and some employees only get 550 kyat ($0.63) a day.”