Comment to the current campaign regarding minimum wages in Cambodia
It has always been our vision that all textile workers should be able to live on their wage. We share the commitment for fair living wages in Cambodia and in the whole textile industry and we have been engaged in this issue for many years.
Through our pioneering wage strategy launched in 2013, we strongly support wage increase that are set by a tripartite negotiation between workers, employers and governments, a view that is supported by the global trade unions and the ILO.
Our vision is that factory workers should earn a fair living wage and this wage should be negotiated between the legitimate labour parties. Overall we expect the installation of a regular industry collective bargaining process for wages which is fair and takes into account UN body ILO technical expertise. Raising wages in the textile industry is a shared responsibility and demands collaboration from a number of stakeholders. That’s why we work together with other brands in dialogue with IndustriAll to continue influence decision makers. H&M is currently in dialogue with other brands and have sent a joint letter to the Cambodian government and GMAC to clarify the brands position in the upcoming wage negotiations.
We have a long-term commitment to Cambodia and we want to continue to do business in Cambodia. It is in the Cambodian textile industry as well as in H&M’s interest that the industry continues to develop to an advanced and mature textile industry. We are dependent on stable markets in which people are treated with respect and with our dedication we can contribute to a positive development.
Read more about H&M’s roadmap to fair living wages here.