Workers make clothes for export at the Hưng Việt Co Ltd in Mỹ Hào District, the northern province of Hưng Yên. — VNA/VNS Photo Trần Việt

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) has submitted to Government a draft decree on regional minimum wage for contracted workers.

It comes after a number of enterprises wanted to increase the regional minimum wage from the beginning of next year, but the draft decree suggests the increase should take effect on July 1.

The increase proposed is six per cent on average for monthly salaries.

The MoLISA believes that the adjustment is very necessary. Normally, regional minimum wage is adjusted annually but since the beginning of 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Government preserved the wage in 2019.

The regional minimum wage at present cannot ensure minimum living standard for workers and their families based on the MoLISA’s regulations.

The adjustment aims at protecting workers’ rights.

On August 5, 2020, at a meeting in Hà Nội, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and Chairman of the National Wages Council Lê Văn Thanh declared that the region-based minimum wage would not be adjusted in 2021.

The minimum wage for workers in Region 1, which covers Hà Nội and HCM City’s urban areas, is set to maintain at VNĐ4.42 million (US$191.39). Region 2, covering Hà Nội and HCM City’s rural areas, along with major urban areas in the country like Cần Thơ, Đà Nẵng and Hải Phòng, will be VNĐ3.92 million.

Those in Region 3, or provincial cities and the districts of Bắc Ninh, Bắc Giang and Hải Dương provinces, will earn at least VNĐ3.43 million a month, while Region 4, or the rest of the country, will receive a minimum of VNĐ3.07 million. — VNS