Labourers leave their factory after work in Phnom Penh recently. Post Staff
Negotiations for the 2025 minimum wage in the garment, footwear and travel goods sectors began today, August 14, though specific figures have yet to be proposed.
The negotiations, which affect nearly one million workers, are a tripartite process involving the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, representatives of factories or employers and union representatives.
During today's meeting, key social and economic indicators were presented for the parties to use as a basis for their negotiations. Each party agreed to use the provided statistics and information for internal discussions before taking their positions at the next meeting.
The three parties will continue with meetings scheduled for the mornings of August 29 and September 6, 12, 19 and 26.
Labour minister Heng Sour, also the government representative in the National Council on Minimum Wage, led the meeting and expressed hope that each party would use the statistics and mechanisms for analysis before the next gathering.
He noted that the council always strives to conclude wage negotiations before the Pchum Ben festival, so workers can celebrate the holiday knowing their salary for the following year. He mentioned that the figures from each party could be revealed during the August 29 meeting.
"In general, I cannot speak on behalf of each party as we only provide statistics, and each party will compare and verify them for accuracy. Therefore, I refrain from commenting on the positions of each party,” Sour said.
According to Nang Sothy, a representative of the employers’ side, wage negotiations are conducted by analysing various economic and social factors, including the current inflation rate which stands at 2.5 per cent.
"Traditionally, the unions tend to propose figures that exceed technically appropriate levels. Please stand by a reasonable figure to avoid the claim that employers are increasing by a small amount while unions demand a large increase. This will make it difficult for the ministry to decide. Therefore, stick to technically justified figures rather than arbitrary ones,” he said.
Kim Chansamnang, a union representative, stated that the unions' proposed figure will be based on a thorough examination to ensure a mutually acceptable outcome.
Currently, the minimum wage for the garment, footwear and travel goods sectors stands at $204 per month, including an additional $2 contributed by the prime minister.
