PHNOM PENH, 22 March 2013(The Cambodia Herald) -- Some unions
still demand $100 per month for workers after the government announced
recently that minimum wage will increase from $61 to $80 for garment and
shoe apparel workers.
The five unions that demanded the $100 pay were the Free Trade Union of Workers of Cambodia, the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Worker's Democratic Union (CCAWDU), the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, the Collective Union of Movement of Workers and the National Independence Federation Textile Union of Cambodia.
Rong Chhun, President of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, who represented the five unions, said in statement Friday that if the wage was not increased to $100, the unions will lead workers to strike.
"We could not accept the small increase because it would not ensure livelihoods of the workers," he said, in a joint statement following the announcement by the Social Affairs Minister, Ith Sam.
"The wage was still too low compared to neighboring countries, and it doesn't coincide with the high daily expenses.
"If the wage increased to $100 it would not impede investment in the country, but it would make the employers maintain their labor force and higher production.
"Proper wage increase for workers was the factor in reducing the labor risk of workers such as health issues," Rong Chhun added.
"The proper wage would end protests in the future."
The offer of $80 per month for garment and shoe workers will come into effect on May 1st, and they will get their salaries late May.
The five unions that demanded the $100 pay were the Free Trade Union of Workers of Cambodia, the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Worker's Democratic Union (CCAWDU), the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, the Collective Union of Movement of Workers and the National Independence Federation Textile Union of Cambodia.
Rong Chhun, President of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, who represented the five unions, said in statement Friday that if the wage was not increased to $100, the unions will lead workers to strike.
"We could not accept the small increase because it would not ensure livelihoods of the workers," he said, in a joint statement following the announcement by the Social Affairs Minister, Ith Sam.
"The wage was still too low compared to neighboring countries, and it doesn't coincide with the high daily expenses.
"If the wage increased to $100 it would not impede investment in the country, but it would make the employers maintain their labor force and higher production.
"Proper wage increase for workers was the factor in reducing the labor risk of workers such as health issues," Rong Chhun added.
"The proper wage would end protests in the future."
The offer of $80 per month for garment and shoe workers will come into effect on May 1st, and they will get their salaries late May.
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