New minimum wage in Cambodia now $182

The commission comprising representatives from trade unions, the Cambodian Government and employers tasked with deciding the minimum wage for workers in the textile, garment and footwear sector recently agreed to raise the minimum wage to $182 starting January. Most members accepted $177 proposed by the employers. Prime Minister Hun Sen added $5 to that.

Labor minister Ith Sam Heng said there would be no changes to existing benefits and allowances, according to Cambodian media reports.

Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia president Van Sou Ieng said the new wage is a bit high compared to Vietnam. He urged the government to reduce electricity cost to about $0.15 per kilowatt-hour.

Ath Thorn, president of the Cambodian Labour Confederation, on the other hand, found the raise not high enough for workers, but had to accept it.