Cambodia

At least 50 female garment workers were injured on July 2 after the truck transporting them overturned on the way to a factory. Investigators say that the brakes on the truck failed which caused it to run into a tree and overturn. The driver is reportedly still at-large after he fled the scene. (Xinhua News)

The government of Cambodia’s Labor Advisory Committee has decided to postpone an increase in the country’s minimum wage until next year. The committee also says it will meet with union and industry representatives next month to discuss the amount of the increase and all parties will meet with the Ministry of Labor in September for final debate. Union leaders say that the delay could fuel more worker unrest not unlike the incident in January that claimed the lives of several people.(Radio Free Asia)

The International Labor Organization’s Better Factories Cambodia program has released its 31st synthesis report about the level of compliance among the country’s garment factories. The report is based on data collected from 362 garment factories and 9 footwear factories between May 1, 2013 and April 30, 2014. Among the highlights include an increase in the proper payment of wages and benefits among factories as well as high compliance on “fundamental rights,” though the report also acknowledges the ongoing issue of mass worker faintings.(Better Factories Cambodia / Fibre2Fashion)

The International Labor Organization (ILO) has launched its 5th Garment Worker Radio Competition in which workers compete by showing off their knowledge of Cambodian labor law. ILO representatives say that in addition to providing a fun event, the goal of the competition is to increase awareness throughout the entire country about the rights of workers and why it is important for their daily lives. The competition is free and open to all current and former garment workers.(Fibre2Fashion)