PHNOM PENH (ANN/THE PHNOM PENH POST) – Employees in Cambodia’s textile, garment, footwear, and travel goods factories are poised to benefit from an updated minimum monthly salary of USD204 this year.
This reflects a USD4 increment compared to the wage set in 2023. The decision to raise the minimum wage for 2024 was disclosed in November of the previous year, following a series of 20 consultative meetings involving various stakeholders.
On January 2, Prime Minister Hun Manet conveyed his well-wishes to the workers through social media, highlighting the rise in their monthly salary.
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training had previously issued a statement on November 28, revealing that the National Council on Minimum Wage (NCMW) had initially set the monthly salary at $202 for workers in the specified sectors, with the prime minister subsequently announcing a $2 increase to this figure.
“I have decided to add USD2 to the USD202 minimum wage which was the result of the NCMW vote. Therefore, the 2024 minimum wage will be USD204 per month, an increase of USD4 over 2023,” Manet said at the time.
Chan Than, an employee of Bayon Garment Factory in Boeung Kak I commune, in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district, said on January 2 that even though the USD4 increase was not as much as she had expected, it was “better than nothing”.
She claimed that most workers were worried about layoffs almost every day, and were not working as much overtime as they used to.
“Every day my factory offers less overtime. I keep worrying about layoffs. To be honest, I am less concerned about whether we get an increase or not. What is important is that I can work overtime to earn more money,” she said.
Chorn Piseth, another worker from the factory, explained that he worked in the carton section and worked overtime every chance he got, even on Sundays and national holidays. Including the new salary increase, he could now earn from USD350 to USD400 per month.
“My department has a lot of work because we don’t have many workers. This means there is often overtime available. When I get paid, I can afford to provide for my day-to-day expenses,” he said.
Ath Thorn, president of the Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC) and member of the NCMW, called on all factories and employers to apply the new figure.
He noted that the monthly wage of USD204 applies to experienced workers, while new employees earn USD202.
“From January 2024, the new minimum wage must be applied to all workers. We appeal to all employers to apply it fully and equally, no matter how big or small their factories are.
“In addition, I believe that companies should consider adding another USD4 to the USD204 wage for skilled workers, so they can earn a decent living,” he said.
According to the labour ministry, the average factory worker will now earn from USD221 to USD232 per month, thanks to additional benefits. In addition, the government and relevant institutions are seeking to reduce the cost of living of workers throughout the country.
