Phnom Penh, September 11, 2023 - The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training has announced through its official Facebook page that the National Minimum Wage Council resumed discussions on setting the minimum wage for textiles, garments, footwear, travel products, and bags for 2024. This follows a total of 15 minimum wage negotiation meetings, including nine bilateral and tripartite meetings, along with six internal meetings of each party. On September 11, 2023, five separate discussions took place, consisting of three internal meetings and two tripartite meetings.

During these discussions, both sides presented their positions in a professional and mature manner. The Royal Government representatives provided additional explanations regarding the social and economic criteria to workers' and employers' representatives. As a result, workers' representatives maintained their stance at $215, while employers' representatives stuck to $201. The meetings are set to continue on September 18, 2023, with the goal of concluding negotiations by September 28, 2023.

Mr. Pav Sina, President of the Coalition of Cambodian Workers' Movement Unions, shared his insights on the ongoing negotiations with the Green Post. He noted that during the morning's meeting, both the workers' representatives and the Royal Government's representatives displayed a high level of mutual understanding while working towards a resolution. There is a shared commitment to explore options for wage increases for workers. Nevertheless, what remains crucial for the union side is maintaining their stance on advocating for a minimum wage of $215. This position is grounded in several key criteria, including considerations of workers' daily living expenses, the impact of high inflation rates, workers' contributions to their employers, the competitive dynamics of the job market, and the profits accrued by employers through the exportation of goods to international markets.

Mr. Pav Sina, President of the Coalition of Cambodian Workers' Movement Unions, expressed optimism about the negotiations. He emphasized the importance of a $215 base wage, citing various criteria such as workers' daily living costs, inflation, market competition, and employers' profits in international markets. He noted that workers' wages have not kept pace with the rising costs of living and the needs of their families. He also expressed concern that a division in union positions may weaken workers' demands.

Kong Athit, President of the Coalition of Cambodian Garment Workers' Union (CCAWDU), highlighted the vulnerability of workers' living conditions, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many workers face unemployment and reduced income, leading them to demand a $215 minimum wage to address their financial challenges and debt issues.

Mr. Kong Athit further emphasized that brands and buyers in the garment sector continue to profit from exports, and ethical investment should ensure that workers enjoy a decent standard of living and are treated with respect in line with international labor standards set by the International Labor Organization.