Cambodia’s garment factories saw a sizable increase in strikes during the first three months of 2015, with the number growing nearly 74 per cent from the same period last year. The first quarter report by the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC) recorded 40 strikes at garment factories between January and March. In 2014, only 23 strikes were recorded during those months.
GMAC’s study also found that 70 per cent of strikes involved unions not registered at the factory where the strike took place, 8 per cent were executed by non-union workers and all of the strikes were carried out illegally, according to the Post.
The industry started suffering after labour disputes hit it in 2013, with workers’ agitation leading to large-scale strikes around the country for increase in wages. Some of the demonstrations led to riot like situation. To ease tension, the government increased monthly minimum wage from $61 to $80 in 2013, to $100 last year, and to $128 in January. After adding other benefits like housing assistance, transportation and other allowances, a worker’s minimum earning reach to more than $150.
