Minimum wage negotiations for Cambodia’s textile, garment, footwear, and travel goods sectors remain deadlocked, with unions and employers standing their ground during the latest round of talks.
According to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the September 18 session was the third tripartite meeting of the 4th National Minimum Wage Council, focusing on setting the monthly minimum wage for factory workers for 2027. To date, the council has held eight meetings in total, including three tripartite sessions, one bilateral meeting between worker and employer groups, three internal union meetings, and one employer-side meeting.
Government officials stepped in to mediate, walking both sides through the social and economic criteria used to determine wage adjustments. However, a breakthrough remains out of reach. Most worker representatives are pushing for a $15.30 raise, which would bring the monthly minimum wage up to $225.30, while some union factions are asking for as much as $250.60. Employers, meanwhile, are holding firm on keeping the wage at the current $210 per month.
The two sides are set to meet again on September 28.
