Mass faintings in Cambodian factories remain largely unexplained.
Almost 400 workers fainted in four separate garment factories this week across Cambodia.
Manufacturers, unions and government representatives are facing off ahead of a minimum wage hike decision due this month -possibly as soon as this week.
Garment workers were injured when the floor of a factory producing clothing for Swedish retailer H&M partially collapsed.
More than 200 workers at three factories fainted on Wednesday and Thursday due to noxious paint fumes, a Ministry of Labor official and a union leader said.
A delegation representing 30 international brands and global trade unions met with Cambodia’s deputy prime minister on Wednesday.
Arguments from both sides of the issue show a fundamental difference in perspectives between what a basic wage is and whether it should be a “living wage.”
A task force has found that Cambodian government worker spends more than $150 on basic necessities each month.
The Cambodian apparel industry suffered losses of more than $250 million in sales and investment.
Protests over wages resulted in the deaths of at least four workers and scores of injuries Friday following a crackdown by the military police.
Protests and strikes shut down the fashion industries in Cambodia and Bangladesh on Monday.
The Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia refused to come to the negotiating table with independent unions.