The Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia yesterday issued a statement expressing support for the reduction of public holidays by the government next year because the move will improve the Kingdom’s economic competitiveness.

The statement follows a sub-decree signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen that cuts six holidays next year, including Meak Bochea Day, National Day of Remembrance, International Children’s Day, Paris Peace Agreement Day, International Human Rights Day and King Norodom Sihamoni’s birthday.

According to GMAC’s statement, the number of public holidays in Cambodia was high when compared to other countries in the world. It said that the amount negatively impacted the Kingdom’s competitiveness.

“Having an excessive and unreasonable number of public holidays is a risk for the economy and has a negative impact on our competitiveness,” GMAC said. “This will eventually lead to a slowdown of economic growth and result in possible job losses.”

“Therefore, we would like to call on unions and employees to be more understanding and to support this decision of Samdech Prime Minister and the Royal Government of Cambodia,” it added.

Pav Sina, president of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers, yesterday said even though the cutting of some public holidays will appease employers, unionists and workers will not be as optimistic.

Mr Sina said unionists are now deliberating on how to ask the government to reconsider its decision.

“Unionists are holding a discussion with each other to find a way on how to request the government to reconsider with their decision to cut public holidays because workers will lose their benefits,” he said.

Mr Sina said he is not against the government, but it should consider how the benefits can be replaced.

“Requests made by employers are always granted, but union requests are rarely granted,” he said.

Published On : 08-08-2019

Source : Khmer Times