Workers Seek $225, Employers Hold at $210 as Minimum Wage Talks Near Final Vote

PHNOM PENH — Sept. 28, 2026: The National Council for Minimum Wage held its fourth meeting on Monday to continue discussions on setting the minimum wage for 2027 for workers in the textile, garment, footwear, and travel goods and bag sectors, with worker representatives proposing US$225 and employers holding at US$210.

The meeting was chaired by H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training and President of the National Council for Minimum Wage, at the Ministry on the morning of Sept. 28, 2026.

To date, the council has held 14 discussions on the minimum wage, including four tripartite meetings, two bilateral meetings between worker and employer representatives, one bilateral meeting between employer and government representatives, one bilateral meeting between worker and government representatives, four internal meetings of worker representatives, one internal meeting of employer representatives and one internal meeting of government representatives.

Parties agreed that Monday's session would confirm their final positions. In a shared spirit, council members supported easing the cost burden on workers, though their methods differed. Some members, despite acknowledging that Cambodia's wages are higher than those of its competitors, proposed further sharp wage increases. Others proposed alternative measures — holding the figure steady or raising it modestly — to preserve the country's competitiveness, protect existing jobs and create new ones for workers' family members.

Worker representatives, citing the majority view within their camp, proposed an increase of US$15, bringing the minimum wage to US$225 for 2027. Employer representatives proposed keeping the minimum wage at US$210 for 2027 and maintaining the US$2.50 travel allowance, in line with the spirit agreed on March 20, 2026.

The meeting agreed to hold the final tripartite session on Sept. 30, 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m., to vote on the 2027 minimum wage.

Source: Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training

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Reported by The Khmer Today