The presidents of three unions have appealed to the Garment Manufacturing Association of Cambodia to improve the “miserable” living conditions of its workers by providing higher wages and better benefits, a letter received by the Post yesterday shows.

The letter is dated March 2 and signed by Ath Thorn, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Union; Morm Nhim, president of the Cambodian National Confederation; and Yang Sophoun, president of the Cambodia Association of Trade Unions.

Citing challenges posed by inflation, the presidents urged GMAC to raise the minimum wage.

“The minimum wage is $61 [per month] and at this present time, the actual [living] expenses is around $100, so they really need from $40 to $50 [more],” the letter states, including a $15 monthly transportation allowance.

GMAC secretary general Ken Loo said a formal response would be issued today.