Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Ith Samheng has instructed factory owners and company directors to allow disabled employees to finish their work 15 minutes early to facilitate their commute and promote their overall well-being.
The directive, issued on June 6, is built upon Prime Minister Hun Sen’s recommendations and the labour laws pertaining to safety and occupational health. The minister also stressed the need for all employers to uphold their wages and benefits in line with labour law provisions.
“By leaving work early, they are in a better position to travel and safeguard their well-being,” stated the official notice. “Meanwhile, factory owners and business managers must uphold the wages and benefits as outlined in the labour law for these workers who are eligible for early release.”
Mak Monika, executive director of the Cambodian Disabled People’s Organisation, expressed her full support for the announcement. She highlighted the practicality of the directive, noting the concurrent departure of disabled and able-bodied workers can often create difficulties for those with disabilities.
“I would prefer if disabled workers could leave half an hour earlier. We acknowledge that they might not have the same speed or strength as their able-bodied counterparts,” she said.
Kaing Monika, deputy secretary-general of the Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), could not be reached for comment on June 6.
Ath Thorn, president of the Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC), praised the new directive, stating it could significantly ease travel for disabled workers. He also suggested the possibility of extending early leave to pregnant employees.
“While the number of workers with severe disabilities in garment and footwear industries is not high, a 15 to 20 per cent increase in disabled employment could greatly alleviate their need to resort to begging or other jobs that jeopardise public health,” he said.
