The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) and National Council of Minimum Wage launched a negotiation on Wednesday on the monthly minimum wage for workers in the garment, footwear, and travel goods (GFT) sector for 2024.

The official announcement said that the negotiation between the three sides - the government, the union, and the employer - had not yet released the results of the minimum wage for 2024.

After listening to positions from each representative on social and economic criteria changes, representatives of employers and employees have not yet been able to confirm their official position figures. They have now asked for further internal meetings, the release cited.

In 2023, the monthly minimum wage for workers in the GFT sector was set at $200.

Ath Thon, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers’ Democratic Union (CCAWDU), told Kiripost, "The meeting was attended by over 100 participants to negotiate, and the 2024 wage has not yet been released. But, MLVT presented about society in the current situation."

Thon added, "I think they should increase the monthly wage by between $50 and $100 because it can help workers to live in better conditions. At the same time, this amount of $250 to $300 per month is what I have always talked about and requested before."

Pav Sina, president of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers (CUMW), said, "For me, increasing the monthly wage for workers is still a concern as Cambodia has been affected by a few impacts, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has affected many countries after the recovery from Covid-19."

Sina said that Cambodia's exports to global markets have decreased, along with other partnerships in the region. Therefore, he does not expect that increasing wages will enable workers to meet their daily expenses next year.

"However, we will try to find the information and set a reasonable wage to negotiate with relevant sides to seek a better solution for workers," he added.

At the same time, even though Cambodia's exports have decreased compared to previous years, challenges still exist, he added.

Kaing Monika, deputy secretary-general of TAFTAC, formerly the Garment Manufacturers Associations Cambodia, could not be reached for comment.

Garment worker, Reaksmey, 25, told Kiripost, "When I heard the news about the monthly wages, I felt indifferent because I know it won't be much."

Reaksmey said that when the salary is increased, her other daily expenses will also rise. "I go to work in the morning and come back at 4pm, so I can only earn $210 to $220. However, I just heard the information that it will be reduced by 50 percent because there is not much work to do."

She said that she wants to quit her job and start a business in her hometown. However, she does not know when she will be able to reach her goal because she has a baby to take care of.

"Now my baby is living with my mother in the province and I must send money to her to buy milk," Reaksmey said.

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