125 Civil Society Organizations Support Proposal to Raise Garment Worker Minimum Wage to $250.66

125 domestic civil society organizations have announced their support for a proposal to raise the minimum wage for workers in the garment, footwear, and travel sectors. The proposal, put forth by the Cambodian Federation of Unions, seeks to increase the minimum wage to $250.66 per month by 2027, a rise of $40.66 from the current $210. In a joint statement released on September 18, these organizations highlighted that the primary objective of the proposed wage increase is to ensure the living standards of workers and enable them to meet their families' basic needs. They assert that the current minimum wage only covers approximately 60% of the average expenses for a worker's family. Citing numerous research findings on worker living conditions, including daily expenses, food costs, household expenditures, and debt burdens, the civil society groups consider the $40.66 increase a necessary measure to protect workers' purchasing power, fulfill basic family needs, and gradually reduce the gap between the legal minimum wage and a wage that ensures a decent living. According to the organizations, research results from 2022 and 2024, along with preliminary findings from a 2026 study, indicate that average worker income covers only about 60% of average expenses. They also pointed out that some workers have had to reduce spending on food and increase working hours to earn extra money for living expenses and debt repayment. Beyond supporting the union's proposal, the 125 organizations are urging the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and the National Minimum Wage Council to respond positively to the request for a $250.66 minimum wage. They also called on employers not to reduce wages or benefits when the minimum wage is increased, and to avoid setting excessive production targets or pressuring workers into longer working hours. Furthermore, the civil society groups appealed to international brand companies and buyers to take responsibility by considering adjustments to their order prices to enable increased labor costs for workers. This appeal comes as negotiations for the 2027 minimum wage in the garment sector are ongoing. On September 18, the third meeting of the National Minimum Wage Council continued discussions on new wage figures. A majority of worker representatives maintained their proposal to increase the wage by $15.3 to $225.3 per month, while some still advocate for the $40.66 increase to $250.66. Employer representatives, meanwhile, proposed keeping the minimum wage at $210 per month. Source: CEN Cambodia