Cambodia Minimum Wage: Unions Propose Increases, Employers Seek Status Quo

The minimum wage in Cambodia is at the center of discussions regarding potential increases for 2027. Labor unions are pushing for a significant rise from the current monthly rate of $210, while employers are advocating for maintaining the status quo, revealing a notable gap between the two parties. On September 14th, the National Minimum Wage Council convened at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training to deliberate on the minimum wage for 2027, covering workers in the textile, garment, footwear, and travel goods and bags manufacturing sectors. This meeting, chaired by Minister Heng Sour, was the second session of the fourth mandate, second year of the council, continuing the examination process for setting the minimum wage. To date, a total of five meetings have been held, including two tripartite meetings, two internal meetings for worker representatives, and one internal meeting for employer representatives. During these sessions, representatives from both sides presented their positions with professionalism and maturity. Government representatives also provided further explanations on socio-economic criteria. Worker representatives put forth two distinct proposals for an increase over the current $210: one suggesting an increment of $15.3, and another proposing an increment of $40.6. In contrast, employer representatives requested to maintain the current rate of $210, citing the existing provision of a $2.5 transportation allowance. The council has agreed to continue tripartite discussions on the afternoon of Friday, September 18th, as per the agreed schedule from the notification issued on September 1st, 2026. Source: AKP Khmer