Inflation driving Cambodia garment workers to quit

[Coventina]

Source: International Herald-Tribune

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Soaring inflation and stagnant wages have forced thousands of Cambodian garment factory workers to quit and look for better-paying jobs or return to the countryside, union leaders said Wednesday.

The development raises concerns about the future of the country's main dollar-earning industry.

"Their factory wages could no longer cope with rising food prices," said Chea Mony, president of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, which had 80,000 members at the start of the year.

Since then, 27,000 have quit, he said. Many are now working in entertainment clubs such as karaoke parlors, where they can earn more than at their previous jobs, he said.



Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/09/10/business/AS-Cambodia-Inflation-Woes.php

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Even the poorest of the poor can't afford to work for starvation wages...

Very disturbing that over 1/4 of the union's workers have quit in the period of 8 months.

[4lbs]

1. The economy in their country is literally causing them to lose their shirts.

n/t