As at least 15 Cambodian apparel factories suspend workers, the union leaders continue to charge forth for a living wage of US $ 207. The factories say the unrest and higher costs will further drive away potential buyers. The suspensions have come in the wake of dwindling job orders, which was allegedly due to hike in the wages.
Moeun Tola, Head, Labour Program at the Community Legal Education Center, said a high number of factories have suspended workers, especially for August, which should be peak season. “The current suspensions could be a tactic by factories to counter demands for higher minimum wages,” he elaborated and called on buyers to “show the workers that they want factories to give a fair salary to workers.
