Commerce Minister Cham Prasidh on Thursday warned garment factory owners and workers alike that he would close factories down if they abused labor laws, and asked for their cooperation in working for better conditions and export quotas.
During a half-day forum attended by about 300 workers, employers and government officials, Cham Prasidh singled out the owner of the Chinese-owned Glad Peer Garment Factory, ordering him to deport a supervisor who allegedly beat female workers last month.
“If you keep making troubles to workers, my ministry will close down your businesses,” Cham Prasidh warned.
The owner said his workers were lazy and did not deserve the $40 monthly minimum wage.
The US government late last year granted only 5 percent of the maximum 14-percent bonus quota for this year, citing Cambodia had not achieved international standards in labor conditions. The US has promised Cambodia it would review labor conditions mid-year.
Thursday’s public forum at Chaktomuk Theater was co-organized by the ministries of Commerce, Industry, Labor and Interior.
in an effort to create a more cooperative environment to develop the industry and country’s economy.
“Workers and factory owners misunderstand each other and never practice the labor law properly,” Cham Prasidh said. “I hope to see all of you work better in order to receive the full amount of the 14-percent bonus quota.”
The forum came two weeks after hundreds of workers conducted a five-day demonstration, demanding better treatment.
