Cambodia Unions Warn of Strikes As Factories Indicate No Wage Raise

Cambodia's garment factories have indicated they will reject demands for an increase in the minimum wage next year, angering unions and risking upheaval in a crucial economic sector for years dogged by unrest.

A survey distributed among members of the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia, which represents more than 500 factories, showed 63 percent of members want no raise and 26 percent support only marginal increases of $1 to $5.

It comes ahead of talks next month between the government, factories and unions to address demands for a sharp increase from the current monthly $128 minimum to $177.