In a renewed plea for job security, representatives from two key unions have urged the government to boost employment by attracting more buyers, as opposed to providing allowances to suspended workers.

They argued that these allowances, despite reflecting government consideration, were insufficient to support day-to-day livelihoods in the current economic climate.

On July 27, Touch Ser, president of the Federation of Free Trade Unions, voiced concerns over companies and factories suspending and terminating workers’ contracts. While no official statistics have been compiled by the union, distressing reports have been received from local representatives about the continuance of such practices.

Ser highlighted the “grave” impact of contract suspensions and terminations on workers, which extended beyond job loss. She mentioned that the affected workers faced a shortage of funds for essentials like daily food, children’s education and bank repayments.

Speaking on the government subsidy provided to suspended workers, Ser expressed how challenging it is to get by on such meagre allowances while dealing with manifold financial pressures.

“The allowances provided are quite modest. Even when fully employed, our salaries were just about adequate. With work now suspended, the 30 and 40 dollars granted by the government hardly stretch to cover our expenses, particularly with outstanding bank debts,” she said.

She underscored the urgent need for more supportive measures from the government and relevant ministries, as workers seek stable jobs that guarantee a steady monthly income and a respectable life.

“I urgently appeal to the government, particularly all pertinent institutions, to extend their support to workers who have faced suspensions or have been dismissed by companies or factories,” she added.

Echoing these sentiments, Kong Atith, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Union (CCAWDU), acknowledged the allowance’s short-term relief, but stressed that the government could not perpetually support suspended workers.

He advocated for government and stakeholder intervention to augment the number of buyers and to strengthen buyer confidence in Cambodian production.

“We are aware that the government and its stakeholders understand the necessary measures to protect and recover our current assets and to draw in additional orders for the Kingdom,” Atith observed.

Heng Sour, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, could not be reached for comment on July 27.

In response to factory closures, the government has taken action through the labour ministry, offering allowances to garment workers affected by contract suspensions. This initiative forms part of a broader series of measures implemented by the government.

The allowances, paid in riel, vary depending on the duration of the contract suspension. For example, if a worker’s contract is suspended between seven and 14 days, they are eligible for 81,000 riel ($20.25). If the suspension lasts from 15 days to a month, the allowance increases to 162,000 riel. The aim of this strategy is to provide a measure of financial relief to workers navigating this tough period of joblessness.