Cambodia Announces Minimum Wage Increase
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia is raising the minimum wage in its important clothing industry by 28 percent to $128 a month, falling short of labor unions’ $140 proposal.
Labor Advisory Committee Wage Negotiations
The Labor Advisory Committee, representing employers, workers and the government, originally agreed Wednesday on a $123 minimum wage. A Labor Ministry statement said it was increased to $128 after long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen intervened.
Union Demands and Recent Labor Protests
A militant union campaign to double the then-minimum of $80 two years ago resulted in clashes with police. The unions later scaled back their demand.
Impact on Garment Industry and Workers
The clothing industry is Cambodia’s biggest export earner, employing about 500,000 people in more than 500 garment and shoe factories. The new wage level takes effect at the beginning of next year.
