National
• 1 hour ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Minimum Wage Standoff: Workers Want $225, Employers Say $210
PHNOM PENH — Sept. 28, 2026: Cambodia's minimum wage negotiations for 2027 remain deadlocked, with worker representatives proposing US$225 a month and employers holding firm at US$210.
The positions were set out at the fourth meeting of the National Council for Minimum Wage on Monday, chaired by Labour Minister Heng Sour at the Ministry.
The council has now held 14 discussions on the issue, including four tripartite sessions and a series of bilateral and internal meetings among worker, employer and government representatives.
Worker representatives, citing the majority view within their camp, proposed a US$15 increase to US$225. Employer representatives proposed maintaining the US$210 figure and keeping the US$2.50 travel allowance, consistent with an agreement reached on March 20, 2026.
Both sides voiced support for easing the cost burden on workers, though they differed on how. Some members argued for a significant wage rise despite Cambodia's wages already exceeding those of competitor countries, while others favoured holding steady or a modest increase to preserve competitiveness, protect existing jobs and create new ones.
The council will hold its final tripartite meeting on Sept. 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to vote on the 2027 minimum wage.
Source: Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
The positions were set out at the fourth meeting of the National Council for Minimum Wage on Monday, chaired by Labour Minister Heng Sour at the Ministry.
The council has now held 14 discussions on the issue, including four tripartite sessions and a series of bilateral and internal meetings among worker, employer and government representatives.
Worker representatives, citing the majority view within their camp, proposed a US$15 increase to US$225. Employer representatives proposed maintaining the US$210 figure and keeping the US$2.50 travel allowance, consistent with an agreement reached on March 20, 2026.
Both sides voiced support for easing the cost burden on workers, though they differed on how. Some members argued for a significant wage rise despite Cambodia's wages already exceeding those of competitor countries, while others favoured holding steady or a modest increase to preserve competitiveness, protect existing jobs and create new ones.
The council will hold its final tripartite meeting on Sept. 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to vote on the 2027 minimum wage.
Source: Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
