The Cambodia Government has given a reason to rejoice to around 780,000 garment workers in the country as a bill on minimum wage was unanimously passed by over 100 lawmakers, including Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.
The bill will now be reviewed by the Senate before being submitted to nation’s King Norodom Sihamoni for promulgation.
The move is intended to create job opportunities and increase worker productivity in addition to fetching investment in the country.
The Cambodia Government is aimed to provide better living to its garment workers, stated Labour Minister Ith Samheng.
“The Government has taken the decision on minimum wage hike in view of the economic condition of the country,” Pen Panha, a CPP lawmaker was quoted as saying in media reports.
The draft law was initially approved by the Council of Ministers on May 25 while it was discussed by the National Assembly’s legislation committee on May 31.
The latest decision on wage hike will impact workers at 1,100 garment and footwear factories. The country is otherwise known for paying higher than Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Indonesia, Laos and Pakistan to its workers.
Notably, monthly minimum wage of the Cambodian garment workers has increased from US $ 40 in 1997 to US $ 170 per month in 2018.
The Government has also started compensating workers of those factories whose owners fled from the country without paying their wages.
A law make identified as Sam Vuthy, a Funcinpec lawmaker, suggested Government to set up more factories in the country to prevent migration.
Markedly, textile factories are being set up in Kandal, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Preah Sihanouk, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Kampong Cham, and Banteay Meanchey provinces of the country.
