ANN/LAOTIAN TIMES – Lao Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Baikham Khattiya unveiled a set of initiatives to combat the labour shortage within the country during the seventh National Assembly meeting last month.
The ministry is collaborating with the Lao Federation of Trade Unions and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry in consultation with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and other relevant bodies. To alleviate the shortage, they are intensifying engagement with employers, including labour exporters.
The collaboration aims to improve engagement and increase consultations with investors to provide timely labour market information, adapt training methods, announce job openings and ensure workers receive protection under labour and social security laws.
A key initiative involves consulting with relevant sectors to adjust wages, aiming to attract more workers and raise their standard of living.
The proper wage to match current economic conditions is LAK3,800,000, according to the minister. Nevertheless, workers typically receive an average of LAK2,700,000 from employers, which exceeds the minimum wage.
Additionally, the ministry plans to organise central labour meetings to address the high demand for labourers.
These meetings will bring together employees and employers to discuss labour needs and find solutions to the shortage.
The ministry is also taking steps to prevent illegal working abroad by supporting individuals seeking legal employment opportunities abroad.
By fostering new working skills, the ministry aims to empower returning workers to apply their expertise effectively.
These initiatives are designed to create a strong labour market at a national level, providing more job opportunities and ensuring fair wages for Lao workers.
Organising central labour meetings and supporting legal employment abroad will further strengthen the workforce, contributing to the country’s labour market and economic growth, according to the Labour Ministry.
