Unions push for $8 rise in travel allowance

Kiripost

Seven Cambodian trade unions have petitioned the Ministry of Labour to raise workers’ monthly travel and accommodation allowance from $7 to $15, arguing that the current support is outdated and fails to cover real commuting costs. The demand comes amid ongoing negotiations over the 2027 minimum wage, currently set at $210 per month.

On 10 September, union leaders submitted their proposal directly to Labour Minister Heng Sour, who also chairs the National Minimum Wage Council. They stressed that the allowance has remained unchanged since 2012, despite rising fuel prices and transport costs.

Seang Rithy, President of the Cambodian Youth Power Union Federation, told Kiripost that workers typically spend between $15 and $25 each month on transport. “Receiving an additional $8 per month will enable workers to choose safer vehicles,” he said, noting that many continue to rely on unsafe trucks due to financial constraints.

The unions’ call is underscored by a series of tragic accidents. In May, 14 garment workers were killed and nearly 80 injured in crashes in Kampong Chhnang and Svay Rieng provinces. Another accident in June left 30 workers injured. Official figures show more than 5,600 traffic accidents involving workers in 2025, resulting in over 6,600 deaths and injuries, though this marked a 20% drop compared with 2024.

Labour rights groups back the unions’ proposal. Khun Tharo, Programme Manager at the Centre for Alliance of Labour and Human Rights, said increasing the allowance would help workers make safer choices and urged unions to also consider other benefits such as seniority pay, lunch allowances and regular bonuses.

The Ministry of Labour has acknowledged the concerns. Spokesperson Sun Mesa said all proposals would be “carefully examined” with the participation of workers, employers and government representatives. He added that the government’s priority was to improve living conditions, ensure job stability and support factory expansion to create more employment opportunities.

As negotiations continue, the travel allowance debate highlights broader issues of worker welfare in Cambodia’s garment sector, which employs hundreds of thousands and remains a cornerstone of the national economy. For unions, the $8 increase is not just about covering costs—it is about saving lives.

-2027-09-11