Cambodia Minimum Wage Talks Stall: Unions Seek Hike, Factories Propose Status Quo

Negotiations for the 2027 minimum wage in Cambodia's garment, footwear, and travel goods industry are facing a deadlock, with labor representatives proposing an increase and employers advocating for the status quo. In a tri-partite meeting held on September 14, 17 union representatives presented two wage hike proposals: one suggesting an increase of $15.3 to a total of $225.3 per month, and another proposing a $40.6 raise, bringing the total to $250.6 per month. Conversely, employer representatives insisted on maintaining the current minimum wage of $210 per month. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, explained that employers had already added $2.5 per month to cover transportation costs, which he cited as a reason for their stance. The meeting, part of the National Wage Council's deliberations with Minister Heng Sour presiding, concluded without an agreement. Both sides are expected to hold further internal discussions before reconvening for another tri-partite session on September 18 to seek common ground. For context, the minimum wage for 2026 was set at $210 per month, a $2 increase from the $208 set for 2025. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local