Cambodian Unions Urge NGOs to Shift Wage Campaign Focus to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

Major labor unions in Cambodia are strongly urging civil society organizations (CSOs) and some international bodies campaigning for a minimum wage increase to $250 in Cambodia to shift their focus to countries with lower wage levels, such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. According to the unions, these countries currently have lower minimum wage levels than Cambodia. If these organizations genuinely aim to improve workers' livelihoods, they should first push for wage increases in these nations to ensure equitable improvements in living standards for workers across the region. Sam Soeun, President of the Cambodian National Confederation of Trade Unions, criticized the activities of CSOs and international organizations. "If CSOs and international organizations truly wish to help improve workers' lives with pure intentions, they should campaign in countries like Bangladesh or Sri Lanka, where wages are lower," he stated. Soeun further elaborated, "Gathering in Cambodia to demand arbitrary figures without scientific research or clear evidence is inappropriate. If they cannot present specific research reports, it clearly indicates they have malicious intentions towards Cambodia's economic stability and its garment sector." Un Dara, President of the Cambodian Light of Workers Union Federation, also stated that it is unacceptable to allow employment opportunities for workers to be undermined by campaigns lacking technical basis. He noted that Cambodia's current minimum wage is already higher than that of many regional competitors. "If they genuinely want to help workers, why don't they campaign to raise wages in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to a level comparable to Cambodia? That would be equitable assistance. It is unreasonable to pressure only Cambodia while other countries have lower wages. Without proper research, we have grounds to doubt their intentions towards our nation," Un Dara added. The leaders of both unions have demanded that national and international CSOs present clear research evidence supporting the requested figure of $250. The unions emphasized that if these demands are made without scientific basis and proper study, it suggests a potential malicious intent to disrupt Cambodia's investment environment. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local