ABC News reports today that a group of summer unpaid interns looking to pursue a class action against Hearst Corp were advised by a New York Judge that they do not meet the legal definition of “class action” and thus can only sue for back pay as individuals. Suing as an individual makes the value of each claim approximately a few thousand dollars meaning lawyers are more unlikely to agree to take the cases on.
The interns claim that they undertook the same amount of work as a full time employee.
This is a particularly current issue as it comes at a time when thousands of American students are seeking summer internships.
In January 2013, Thailand introduced a minimum wage of 300 baht (10 USD at May 2013 exchange rate). The scheme has been piloted in 7 provinces since May 2012. Prior to the increase, daily wages varied from 159 baht in northern Phayao province to 221 baht in Phuket.
Chaninat and Leeds specializes in business and labor law in Thailand
Although generally a very popular amongst Thailand’s workers, corporations and government departments remain concerned about the policy’s possible impact on employment and Thailand’s economy.
The governor of the Bank of Thailand, Prasan Trairatborakul,revealed worries towards the end of last year on the impact that the minimum wage could have on companies. He predicted some may even be forced to close down because of higher labor costs, or that it could trigger Thai businesses to employ greater numbers of migrant workers fromThailand’s neighbors, particularly Cambodia and Burma.
Not all Asian countries will be able to make a similar commitment, especially places like Burma, Cambodia and Laos who generally have lower incomes.
The minimum wage bill 2013 was approved by the government in Burma in March 2013. The proposed general minimum wage has not yet been released, save that public employees are paid a minimum of MMK 50,000 (US$56.8) per month, whilst day laborers are expected to receive at least MMK 2000 (US$2.3) per day of work.
This article is demonstrative that issues of unpaid wages and minimum wages remain a present day worldwide concern.
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