Garment factories incentivised in nat’l contest
MINISTER of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour has called on all factories and manufacturing enterprises to take part in a national competition to promote labour law compliance and harmony in the workplace.
Themed “One Enterprise, One harmonious Community”, following Prime Minister Hun Manet’s recommendations, the competition was announced during the 16th General Assembly of the Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC) on January 13.
“A-level winners get incentives including a one-year inspection exemption. Achieving three consecutive A-level wins grants a three- or fiveyear inspection exemption,” said Sour.
“Establishing a culture of compliance means fostering voluntary obedience among all parties, allowing employers and employees to coexist peacefully – a government priority,” he added.
The initial phase of the competition will encompass garment, textile, and travel goods industries. Factories from other sectors can participate voluntarily.
Kong Athit, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Union (CCAWDU), noted the significance of the national programme in maintaining cohesion within factories with tens of thousands of workers. He also called for equality, transparency and clear implementation.
“Besides the national policy and competition, stakeholders should focus on addressing workers’ challenges. Their well-being is a key goal for fostering peace in the factory or community,” he said.
The national competition stands out as Manet’s sixth recommendation for the labour ministry. This initiative is designed to foster integrated industrial relations across the country.
Sour said that the aim is to promote harmonious professional relations, instil a culture of legal compliance, enhance mechanisms for resolving labour disputes outside of courts, reinforce social security implementation and boost labour productivity.