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Labour unions in Cambodia want minimum wage of $204-214 ahead of talks
Cambodian labour unions have quoted $204-214 as the minimum wage for the textile, garment, footwear, bags and travel goods sectors in 2023—up from this year’s $194—ahead of negotiations this month among worker associations. Bilateral and tripartite talks between government officials, factory owners and workers are scheduled to begin in August.
The ministry of labour and vocational training has convened a series of internal meetings this month to discuss the minimum wage for the sectors for next year. The National Council on Minimum Wage (NCMW) will organise a meeting in September to finalise the minimum wage, which will be implemented beginning January 1.
The ministry has urged stakeholders to base their internal deliberation on data and credible academic research on criteria like inflation rate, cost of living, productivity, competitiveness, labour market situation and sectoral profitability.
Workers in the country reportedly spend $250-300 a month.
According to Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC) president Ath Thorn, 2023 being a general election year, political leaders may be compelled to succumb to demands by trade unions. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)