Garment workers list out woes at labour forum

Synopsis: Garment workers urge government to address their concerns over inflation and insecurity, during a forum, as officials encourage reporting abuses through anonymous complaints and hotline services.

Garment workers are urging government to address worsening living conditions, as high inflation, and security fears leave many struggling to survive.

Their concerns were raised during a labour forum held on Friday, which brought together more than 150 participants, including workers, civil society groups and representation from relevant ministry.

During the discussion, workers described how their monthly wages can no longer cover rising expenses for rent, food, and transportation. “We earn the same, but everything costs more,” Phorn Channa garment worker in Phnom Penh.

According to NGO Worker’s Information Centre many garment workers also expressed alarm over frequent thefts and harassment near their rental accommodations, especially for those working overtime and returning home late at night.

Sim Srey Srors, another garment worker in Phnom Penh, shared her own experiences of financial and personal hardship.

“Our income is low but we have a lot of expenses. Factories are also cutting down on workers while the workload increases. It’s hard to request leave, and the way team leaders speak to us is often disrespectful,” she said.

She claimed that factory conditions are unsafe and unhygienic, with excessive heat and inadequate access to clean water and toilets, all of which impact workers’ health.

“My salary is small, but I must spend a lot on rent, water, electricity, food, and repaying debts,” she said. “Sometimes we are forced to work overtime even when we are sick. If we protest, they sack us. We are getting older, so it’s hard to find new jobs. We just have to endure this to support our families and pay off what we owe.”

She called on the government to help provide stable jobs that ensure workers have enough to eat and can live with dignity.

“I ask the authorities to reduce the prices of goods and to crack down on drug use, especially around the factory areas,” she said.

According to Worker’s Information Centre, workers called on the government to address insecurity in workplaces and harassment in public spaces by urging companies to implement anti-harassment policies at work, install street lights along the way near their home and improve security infrastructure along public roads and in the areas where they live.

Sun Mesa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, said the ministry always prioritises the well-being of citizens.

“The ministry has consistently called on all workers to file complaints directly to us if any enterprise, factory, or administration commits abuse or discrimination,” he said.

“We encourage workers to cooperate with the ministry to report any form of discrimination or unlawful practice in factories and enterprises so that we can take action,” he added.

Som Sotheary / Khmer Times

Link: Khmer Times