Unions, government consult on new min wage law
The Ministry of Labour met with unions on December 16 to gather input on a universal minimum wage law currently being drafted, union representatives and ministry officials confirmed on December 18. “The meeting is a forum for each party to review the draft and provide comments so the law can be more comprehensive,” the ministry said in a statement. Unions are requesting that the ministry re-examine seven articles in the current draft law related to regional differences in the minimum wage and a hefty fine for organising to raise wages once a minimum wage has been determined, said Chhuon Momthol, head of the Cambodian Confederation of Trade Unions. “The meeting finished well. [The ministry] took our suggestions and will discuss them further,” Momthol said, adding that the ministry pledged to consult with relevant authorities about whether to adopt the unions’ recommendations. The draft law aims to broaden the current minimum wage for garment and footwear workers to other sectors, but has been criticised by unionists and labour advocates who say it could restrict workers’ rights to free assembly and expression.
