Unions take big picture view

24 January 2014
The Phnom Penh Post
Garments and textiles / Government / Industries / Labor / Labor policy and administration / Unions
Ath Thorn / Cambodia National Rescue Party / Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions / Cambodian Confederation of Unions / Cambodian People's Party / Cambodian Union Federation / CATU / CCAWDU / Choun Mom Thol / CNRP / Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Union / CPP / Freedom Park / Hun Sen / Rong Chhun / Sam Rainsy / Yang Sophorn

Union leaders yesterday said that despite having held strikes calling for a doubling of the minimum wage that were supported and encouraged by the country’s opposition party, they did not feel betrayed that the wage hike was taking a backseat in political negotiations. Following a government announcement on December 24 that lifted the minimum wage from $80 to $95, a number of unions called a general strike asking for $160 that was immediately backed by the opposition, which quickly began urging workers to join their rallies. … Yang Sophorn, president of the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU), said she understood that the wage hike may need to take a back seat while a political agreement is hammered out. …

 Mom Kunthear and Kevin Ponniah
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/unions-take-big-picture-view