"Gap in proposed minimum wage", 9 September 2019

Unions and employers have proposed starkly differing figures of what the minimum wage for garment and textile factory workers should be next year.

... After their latest meeting ..., the National Committee of Minimum Wage at the Labour Ministry issued a statement noting that unions have demanded $199 and employers $184.

Labour Ministry spokesman Heng Sour said the $15 gap will need to be closed during another meeting ...

“Both parties came up with different figures. They have different reasons based on seven evaluating conditions we agreed upon earlier,” he said.

“I believe both parties are now figuring out ways to reach a conclusion at the upcoming meeting.”

... The current minimum wage is $182 per month, an increase of $12 when compared to last year’s $170.

Far Saly, president of the National Trade Union Confederation, ... shared documents presented at the meeting showing how unions and employers are justifying their proposed figures.

... Pav Sina, president of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers, said unions want the minimum wage to be almost $200 because of these factors.

“Even if the workers receive $17 more, their living standards will still be bad,” he said. “The $17 increase will not give them better living standards…but we are still demanding this because of inflation, productivity and the job market.”

... The Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia ... urged the government not to again tack on the additional $5, arguing employers cannot shoulder the financial burden, especially as more social security schemes are set to kick in next year...