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Myanmar sets first ever minimum wage

In a bid to grow its garment industry, Myanmar’s government set a minimum wage for the first time in the country’s history. Employers must now pay workers 3,600 kyat ($2.80 US) for an eight-hour work day. The minimum wage was settled on after more than two years of intense debate between labour unions and garment factory owners.

The legislation was finally passed after major international retailers like H&M, GAP, C&A, Primark, and more called for its creation. Other companies that manufacture clothes in Myanmar include Topshop, Tesco and Marks and Spencer.

The wage works out to $67 US a week for workers, which still gives Myanmar a competitive advantage over neighbouring countries like Vietnam and Cambodia where monthly minimum wages start at $90 US.

Many are hailing this move as a step in the right direction, but is it really enough to improve the lives of workers or simply a symbolic gesture to make corporate giants feel and appear more ethical than they really are? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

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