Cambodia has agreed to raise the minimum wage for its garment workers to a monthly US $ 128 against the demand of US $ 140 by the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers’ Democratic Union. The new wage level which takes effect from the beginning of next year will put the garment workers US $ 8 above the Cambodian poverty line. In a statement issued by Labour Ministry, including the benefits, the workers will be earning US $ 147 to 156. Initially, the Labour Advisory Committee, representing employers, workers and the government, agreed on a US $ 123 minimum wage which was increased to US $ 128 for full-time workers and US $ 123 for workers on probation as per Prime Minister Hun Se’s instruction. However, the union hasn’t accepted the 2015 wage level, and is expected to stage protests. Following the decision, ILO has called on international garments brands to stick with Cambodian suppliers.
