Phnom Penh (FN), Sep. 19 – The minimum wage for Cambodian garment workers will be increased to USD 208 for 2025. Of this amount, USD 206 was agreed upon through tripartite negotiations, with an additional USD 2 granted in principle by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday afternoon (Sep 19).

On Thursday afternoon, the National Council on Minimum Wages for Workers in the textile, garment, footwear, and bag industries held its final meeting to discuss the minimum wage for 2025.

The wage for workers in Cambodia's garment sector has been raised by an additional USD 4 compared to 2024, when it stood at USD 204 per month.

According to a report by Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training and Chairman of the National Minimum Wage Council, the results of the minimum wage negotiations for 2025 were decisive, with 46 out of 51 votes in favour of setting the wage at USD 206.

Through social media, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underscored, “However, I have directed Minister Heng Sour to add USD 2 to the USD 206 figure, which was the result of the National Minimum Wage Council’s vote. Therefore, the new minimum wage for 2025 is USD 208 per month, an increase of USD 4 compared to 2024, which was USD 204.”

The prime minister urged the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training to disseminate the information to workers and the public.

Samdech Thipadei continued, "Even in the difficult circumstances of the global economy, the Royal Government remains committed to improving the livelihoods, employment, and well-being of people from all level. This year's wage increase, though modest, is intended to alleviate some of the hardships faced by our workers."

The premier further noted that in 2024, many countries in the region did not raise their minimum wages due to challenging economic conditions, with some seeing decreases in wages in US dollars due to exchange rate fluctuations.

In addition to the wage increase, the premier informed workers and the public that he would continue to urge relevant ministries, institutions, and authorities to explore further measures to reduce the living costs of workers.

Samdech Thipadei expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders, especially the representatives of workers and employers, who engaged in this year’s minimum wage discussions with professionalism and collective spirit. He also thanked the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training for its efforts in facilitating the negotiations.
=FRESH NEWS