The Cambodian National Assembly recently passed the draft minimum wage law aimed at promoting decent living for workers. The draft law with 33 articles is aimed at creating employment opportunities, increasing worker productivity and pushing for more scope for investment. The minimum monthly wage now is $170 per month. It was $40 in 1997. Labour Minister Ith Samheng said at the National Assembly’s session that strengthening mechanism to increase the minimum wage is indeed important, according to a report. A draft of the law handed over to unions and employers in Cambodia in April this year was devoid of the controversial clauses in earlier versions that penalised individuals for protesting or putting pressure on the wage determination process. The step was welcomed by unions and labour rights groups, who had raised concerns over the clauses.
