Cambodia

At least 63 workers were injured at a factory in Cambodia’s Kandal Province after an electrical issue triggered a stampede on the morning of January 8. Investigators say that the panic ensued after several workers witnessed an electrician improperly repair an electrical component, which subsequently triggered panic among them and sparked a stampede. The injured workers were taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. (Xinhua News)

Officials at the International Labor Organization (ILO) are calling on global apparel brands and retailers to help absorb the increased costs associated with Cambodia’s new minimum wage of US$128 per month, which came into effect on January 1. ILO leaders say that factories themselves only have a limited margin to absorb these costs and that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders along the supply chain to do their part. The ILO estimates that the average payroll costs for factories will go up 18.7% this year. (UN)