A delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce, consisting of members from the apparel and footwear sectors, visited Cambodia to discuss trade union laws. The delegation feels that there should be a rational way to decide within a factory who the real spokespersons are and that there should be a fixed process governed by law for dealing with labor disputes and if the process were violated people should be held accountable.

The visitors were of the opinion that proper implementation of laws would help reinforce confidence and predictability in the garment sector and maintain Cambodia’s brand image as a manufacturing destination. Cambodia was rocked by labor strikes in 2013 and 2014.

The delegation represented buyers from brands such as Walmart, New Balance and the clothing business PVH. They also discussed ways of moving the garment sector up the value chain as well as minimum wage deliberation process. The felt that there was expectation disconnect with wages always wanting to go up but not productivity.

Cambodia’s garment sector accounts for 80 per cent of the country’s total export revenues. However, working conditions and wages remain a source of dispute and unrest. Other pressures are the global economic crisis and increased competition.