Six labor unions to hold public forum on minimum wage this weekend

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) -- At least six labor unions to be led by Pav Sina, president of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers, will hold public forum at the Freedom Park on October 12 to discuss minimum wage demand for footwear and garment workers. 

A plan to hold the forum is being discussed Thursday between Phnom Penh City Hall officials and union representatives. 

The city hall is seeking permission from Ministry of Interior for the labor unions as about 3,000 people plan to participate in the forum. 

Pav Sina said Thursday that the forum on this upcoming Sunday will provide workers opportunity to raise their demand, and the labor union leaders will bring the demand to talk with factory employers and government officials during a meeting scheduled November. 

He said the forum will not discuss demand of USD 177 per month, but stance to demand only USD 150 per month. 

Ath Thon, president of Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers' Democratic (C.CAWDU) said his labor union and other two unions have maintained stance to demand minimum wage of USD 177 per month. 

He said the three labor unions support this forum, but just don't send members to join them.