Given three options for schemes to double Cambodia’s minimum apparel wage to $160 by 2018, the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia (GMAC) has instead proposed a fourth: raise salaries to only $130.

In a letter GMAC sent to Minister of Labour Ith Sam Heng, obtained by the Post yesterday, the factories association says it would agree to raise the monthly minimum wage – which now stands at $80 – by $10 annually over the next five years.

The letter was sent on Tuesday, a day after a Ministry of Labour working group comprising officials, labour union representatives and GMAC outlined three different plans to raise wages to $160 by 2018. The group that day suggested the government raise pay in a five-year timeframe by adding $16 annually until 2018, raising wages annually based on factors such as the economy and inflation or upping the minimum to $160 next year.

While GMAC’s final figure diverges from the working group’s, it is not a departure from their stance on the issue, GMAC secretary general Ken Loo said last night when asked about the letter.

Continue reading: GMAC makes push for $130