ILO’s statement on minimum wage decision in Cambodia

Increasing of the monthly minimum wage for workers in the garment, textile and footwear industries to US $140.

Press release | Cambodia | 08 October 2015

PHNOM PENH (ILO News) - The ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic takes note of the decision of the Royal Government of Cambodia to increase the monthly minimum wage for workers in the garment, textile and footwear industries to US $140.  The ILO Country Office wishes to acknowledge the genuine efforts by all parties to reach a tripartite consensus, and to acknowledge the significant progress made in using data, analysis and tripartite consultative approaches to arrive at a decision.  The ILO has provided technical support to all three parties throughout the process, including through training and the publication of a regular bulletin on the performance of the garment industry, as well as contributed to the preparation of an analytical report that provided the technical basis for the negotiation process.

 

While acknowledging this progress, the ILO Country Office encourages all parties to rely more strongly on relevant data and analysis for next year’s minimum wage fixing process.  The socio-economic criteria which the parties have agreed to use are supported by official data that will help to inform future deliberations. 

 

As wages gradually increase, it is important for the industry to improve overall productivity, and for garment buyers to examine their purchasing practices.  The ILO Country Office also wishes to note the importance of continued tripartite dialogue and of industrial peace for the benefits of workers and employers in Cambodia.