Source: FN
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen asked the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training to finish the legal cases of union leaders, either the cases be dropped or hurriedly sentenced, addressing to approximately 18,000 workers in Kandal province on Wednesday.
“I urge all the cases be finished by 2018 and no more cases in 2019,” Prime Minister stated.
Prime Minister urged all the parties – workers, unions, employers – to negotiate and exchange dialogues based on solidary and mutual understanding principles to settle labor issues rather than submit complaints against one another.
The premier considered “solving union leaders’ complaints” promotes freedom of workers and unions in Cambodia.
Cambodia implements rule of law; indeed, criminal offenses are the violations and thus subjects to sentencing, Prime Minister stated adding that court could not drop charges for those who commit criminal offenses.
“Do not accuse the government of violating freedom of unions or pressuring NGOs when Cambodia implements laws,” he underlined.
The premier also told workers to be wary of wage protests, as high labor cost will turn away investments in Cambodia to other countries; he remind them to avoid having groups of gangs causing insecurity problems in the factories.
While Cambodia offers a minimum wage of about $170 in 2018, some areas in Bangladesh only offers $67; India $77 to $143;Myanamar $108; Indonesia $106 to $267; Viet Nam $122 to $175; Laos $133; and Pakistan $134.
As expected, when Cambodia offers $182 in 2019, Bangladesh will offer $195; India $81 to $150; Indonesia $106 to $267; and Viet Nam $128 to $184, while the rest remain the same.