Cambodian garment workers hold a strike to demand a raise in their monthly salary from US$61 (S$81.71) to US$93 (S$124.58), in front of a factory on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. -- PHOTO: AP
PHNOM PENH - TENS of thousands of Cambodian garment workers began a week-long strike on Monday - the latest mass walkout by employees in Asia who are demanding a bigger share of the region's economic success.
About 60,000 workers seeking higher wages joined the action at more than 40 factories, out of a total of about 470 across the country, said Ath Thun, president of the Cambodian Labour Confederation.
Cambodia's garment industry - which produces items for renowned brands including Gap, Benetton, Adidas and Puma - is a key source of foreign income for the country and employs about 345,000 workers.
The strike follows a deal between the government and industry that set the minimum wage for garment and footwear staff at 61 dollars a month. Unions say the salary is not enough to cover food, housing and travel expenses, and want a base salary of 93 dollars.
They had hoped more than 80,000 workers would join the walkout. Ath Thun said threats by employers to fire strikers were partly to blame for the lower than expected participation.
Manufacturers have warned that the strike will result in a loss of production and a drop in orders from buyers, harming Cambodia's standing among investors. -- AFP.
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