On September 17, Cambodian labor union leaders and hundreds of garment factory workers took to the streets of Phnom Penh to launch a rally, demanding that garment manufacturers increase their monthly basic wages by US$77, to an adjusted US$177. Garment making has become a pillar industry in Cambodia. However, in recent years, Cambodian garment workers have launched many demonstrations and rallies in order to improve their treatment.
Cambodian trade union leaders and about 500 garment and shoe factory workers participated in a rally held at an industrial park near Phnom Penh. Wearing orange T-shirts with the “USD 177” logo on them, these workers demanded that the manufacturer increase their monthly basic wages to US$177. Ay Tun, chairman of the Cambodian Garment Workers Democratic Union, said: “Based on the current wages, garment workers cannot live a decent life.” After the rally, the trade union sent representatives to submit the workers’ petitions and statements to foreign embassies in Cambodia and Cambodian labor and labor unions. Departments such as the Vocational Training Department. Clothing brands named by Cambodian workers for wage increases include internationally renowned companies such as Gap, Levi’s, H&M, Puma and ZARA.
Currently, Cambodia’s garment and shoemaking industry spends about US$1 billion in wages for workers every year, and about 2 million people benefit indirectly.
