Cambodia’s minimum wage hike not enough for workers’ basic needs

Western buyers of Cambodian apparel and footwear goods have been urged to prod suppliers towards paying a living wage to factory workers.

At the end of September, the Cambodian government raised the minimum wage for its textile, garment and footwear workers by US$2 from the current US$192 per month effective from January next year.

The Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) – an independent body which monitors members’ supply chains in accordance with an ethical code – however, has said the recent hike of the minimum wage is not enough for workers to meet their basic needs.

The body said, “Minimum wages are a floor, not a ceiling. ETI would expect responsible brands to work with their suppliers and local unions to establish a clear plan to progress all wages towards a living wage. Even in an emerging economy like that of Cambodia’s, US$194 does not enable a worker to meet their basic needs, let alone fully support their family and build resilience for the future.

read more https://hrmasia.com/hike-of-us2-to-cambodias-minimum-wage-not-enough-for-workers-basic-needs/