Garment workers, whose struggle for a “living wage” has been a longtime union campaign point, are paying crippling taxes out of their bonuses, according to Free Trade Union president Chea Mony.

Mony on Wednesday petitioned Minister of Finance Keat Chhon to facilitate a reduction or release of garment workers’ taxation obligations, which are higher than for more lucrative salaries in other occupations because their bonuses are taxed.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s 2003 Prakas on taxation for garment workers, the taxing of bonuses is for the workers to gain benefits under the state budget.

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