Prime Minister Hun Sen has warned the ministers of labour and health that they must ensure social protection services for garment workers, especially pregnant workers who deliver babies.
Mr Hun Sen made the comment on Wednesday while addressing thousands of garment workers, whom he also told that free health care would be coming for them next year.
“The ministers of labour and health must pay much attention to this work,” he said. “We cannot just announce things and not follow through. Beginning next year, workers in both the informal and formal sectors and sport players, as well as village chiefs, vice-village chiefs, and village council officials, can get free health treatment at all state hospitals.”
Mr Hun Sen said that pregnant workers who deliver their babies will be allowed to take three months off while receiving 120 percent of their monthly wage.
“Do not be careless with this task. Do not make it become a problem at all,” Mr Hun Sen said. “The Ministry of Labour has to be responsible for this work and they have to work hard.”
“Do not just say it or promise it, and then never do it as other political parties do during election campaigns,” Mr Hun Sen added.
The Prime Minister added that workers are welcome to message him on Facebook if they do not receive the benefits they are entitled to.
“If you do not get the money in two weeks or one month, please message by Facebook,” he said. “The relevant ministers must be responsible to the Prime Minister if they are careless with this work.”
Mothers who give birth to one child will receive $100, while mothers of twins will receive $200 and triplet mothers will get $300.
The government plans to spend about $10 million per year to support pregnant workers.
