The business club reported on September 14 that tens of thousands of workers in Cambodia’s garment industry launched a week-long campaign yesterday, demanding higher wages and improved welfare benefits. The authorities detained at least seven union members, accusing them of engaging in illegal activities outside the factories.
According to the Cambodian Labor Union, approximately 60,000 workers from over 40 garment factories across the country are participating in the protest. There are 470 garment factories in total in Cambodia. Atong, a representative of the union, told AFP, “We will continue until we get reasonable negotiations.â€
Ken Lu, the secretary general of the Cambodian Garment Manufacturers Association, stated that the workers involved come from around 20,000 people in 19 factories, with only 10 factories being significantly affected.
The garment industry is one of Cambodia’s most important sources of foreign revenue, employing roughly 345,000 people. It produces clothing for well-known global brands such as Gap, Benetton, Adidas, and Puma.
Moentola, a labor rights activist, emphasized that these international brands should exert pressure on Cambodian factories to ensure better treatment of local workers.
Earlier, the government and employers had agreed to set the minimum monthly wage for garment and footwear workers at $61. However, the union argues that this amount is far below what is needed to cover basic living costs like food, housing, and transportation. They are calling for an increase to $93 per month.
Initially, the union hoped for over 80,000 participants, but the number fell short due to fears among some workers that they might be fired if they joined the strike.
Garment manufacturers have warned that the ongoing strikes could lead to reduced production and fewer orders from buyers. Ken Lu recently stated that the unions supporting the strikes are not following the law, which could harm the reputation of Cambodia’s garment sector.
He said, “If they want to negotiate, they shouldn’t act illegally. As an employer, we can’t respond to this kind of behavior.†The Cambodian Garment Manufacturers Association is considering legal action against the union.
Ken Lu called the demand for a $93 minimum wage “impossible†and mentioned that some factories have already filed a court petition, ordering workers to return to work within 48 hours. He added, “If they don’t go back, the factory has the right to terminate their contracts.â€
Reuters noted that recent labor unrest in Cambodia reflects a broader trend, as similar disputes previously seen in China are now spreading to other Asian countries known for low-cost labor.
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