PHNOM PENH: Minimum wage negotiations for Cambodia’s garment, textile, footwear and travel-goods and bag sectors for 2027 remain tense, with worker representatives proposing an increase while employer representatives are unwilling to raise the current rate.
The eighth meeting of the National Council on Minimum Wage was held on Sept 14.
All sides continued to present their reasoning and internal positions in a professional and mature manner as negotiations progressed, according to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.
During this morning’s negotiations, the ministry reported that worker representatives proposed two different increase figures. Most proposed an increase of US$15.30, while some called for an increase of $40.60, on top of the current minimum wage of $210.
Meanwhile, employer representatives proposed maintaining the current minimum wage of $210, arguing that they had already provided an additional $2.50 a month to help ease the financial burden on businesses.
Negotiations will continue for another three rounds through the end of September, when a final decision is expected.
The current minimum wage for Cambodia’s garment and textile sector is $210, including a $2 government contribution.
Since April 2026, the government has also provided workers with an additional $2.50 allowance for travel expenses, amid rising fuel prices linked to the war in the Middle East. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
