Text by: Sereyroth Phang
Rya, a garment worker since 2007, starts her day at 5am, preparing meals for the busy day ahead. She works 8 to 10 hours daily, earning $200 plus $70 from overtime. Rya allocated around $150 for her family’s support and $100 for rent, groceries, and utilities. When her income falls short, she relies on loans, pay off some of the debt with her subsequent paycheck. Despite facing financial challenges, Rya strives to meet her family’s needs while retaining some personal expenses.
The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Rya’s life, as she and other workers bear the responsibility of being their family’s primary breadwinner. This includes caring for elderly relatives without access to social benefits, putting immense pressure on workers to sacrifice their own well-being to support their families.
When asked about her job, Rya said she’s exhausted and frustrated. The constant pressure to meet changing daily production targets is her main struggle. Workers are expected to work long hours and often skip breaks to keep up with the ever-increasing goals. The lack of representation amongst workers and the challenges working conditions and benefits compound these difficulties for Rya and many others.
“A lot of workers, both men and women, come to us for help on belated salaries. Some came to me because they were refused sick leave by the HR. Some come to me because they do not know what is required to access social security [NSSF] benefits. Some supervisors also came to me complaining or alleging that my Constituents do not meet performance expectations and should be fired. Yes, we go through these every day because it’s part of our job, and I am overwhelmed,” said Rya.
Oxfam and our partners have been implementing a project, Inclusive National Social Protection Initiatives that Response to the Needs of Apparel Industry Employees (INSPIRE), with the generous financial support of the Laudes Foundation and KLUB. Rya and her fellow workers’ representatives have attended several trainings organized by Oxfam and Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions, one of implementing partners. These sessions cover topics on social security benefits, leadership and representation, labour rights and more. Rya and her colleagues have also been given opportunities to represent their Constituents in forums, policy dialogues, and consultative workshops aimed at promoting decent work and inclusive social security in Cambodia’s apparel industry
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“With the training on social security benefits, leadership and representation, and labour rights, I am more confident to represent my constituents. I can effectively address conflicts between workers and employers, and mediate for their mutual interests,” Rya added.
Rya’s story sheds lights on the harsh realities and ongoing challenges faced by garment worker in Cambodia. It showcases their determination and resilience as they strive for respect, fairness, and better working conditions within the workplaces.
Oxfam and partners remain committed to collaborating with the Cambodian government to strengthening decent work and inclusive social protection in the country’s apparel industry.