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Article

29 May 2020

Author:
Davin Sen, Khmer Times

Cambodia: Garment workers from 14 suspended factories affected by COVID-19 receive monthly allowances from govt.

"Only half of workers receive out-of-work subsidies", 29 May 2020

Kandal provincial governor Kong Sophorn said at a press conference ... that of the 164 factories located in the province, 44 have now been suspended operations affecting around 18,991 garment workers.

However, he said that so far, workers from only 14 of the 44 factories affected are receiving government subsidy support...

“The workers who are still employed within the garment sector in the province are happy. They can support their families and livelihoods. However, 44 factories have been affected by COVID-19 and are currently in suspension,” Mr Sophorn said...

Workers Friendship Union Federation President Sieng Sambath said that the effect of COVID-19 on the garment industry ... has created uncertainty for workers.

“Until now, the situation has been varied. Some have received suspension supplements from companies and the government while some have not. There is also a grey area on whether factories are suspended or shut down permanently,” he said.

..., the government confirmed that it transferred some out-of-work allowances ..., issuing payments of up to $40 each to more than 30,000 factory and tourism workers adversely affected by the virus.

According to the Ministry of Labour, a total of $684,294 was paid to 33,231 suspended workers from 83 factories and 28 hotels and restaurants...

The transfer marks the first phase of the out-of-work payment allowances, which are scaled depending on the period of time a worker has been suspended for, with $15 paid for seven to 10-day suspension, $30 for 11 to 20 days, and $40 for over 21 days...