In response to continued protests by thousands of workers, the Cambodian government has decided to increase their current minimum monthly wage from $80 to $100 starting in February 2014, according to a statement released on December 31.
In the statement, the Labour and Vocational Training Ministry said workers at garment and footwear sectors will receive a minimum monthly wage of $100 from February 1. The $20 pay hike comes after thousands of workers joined protests and rallies with the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party demanding that the minimum wage be doubled to $160 per month.
However, the offer was not enough to persuade striking workers. They plan to resume their demonstrations On Jaunary 2 after taking a break for New Year’s Day. Cambodian Confederation of Unions President Rong Chhun said Thursday’s protest would be larger and aimed at pressuring the government to agree to workers’ wage demands.
Trade unions complain that workers in the garment industry, which is Cambodia’s third-largest currency earner, often work long shifts for little pay in the garment factories. The garment sector is one of the country’s major sources of income. There are currently 925 garment and footwear factories operating in Cambodia with some 700,000 workers.