The training course was designed and delivered by the ILO in response to the request and assessed needs of trade union in Cambodia to strengthening knowledge on essentials of data management and statistical analysis and basic economic theories relevant to effective, evidence-based, participation in minimum wage and collective bargaining negotiations. The training course also introduced important data sources for up-to-date information on key indicators of economic and social criteria relevant to such negotiations. A total of 36 participants, including 9 female participants, took part in the five-day training course, representing trade union members of Cambodia’s Labour Advisory Committee (LAC) and Tripartite Working Group (TWG).

Training programme

Two expert instructors were commissioned by the ILO to deliver the courses: Professor Keo Kuyly from Cambodia’s National Institute of Management facilitated the economics components of the training course, while Professor Samreth Sovannroeun of Cambodia’s Graduate School of Humanities and Social Science at Saitama University facilitated the modules on statistics. Focused training sessions on data sources and comparative approaches to economic analysis (including financial statement and national account approaches) were delivered by LSGSC project staff. The course was delivered in Khmer, with the final training materials available in both Khmer as well as English language versions.

Learning outcomes

Participants were actively engaged as learners throughout the course, and the training cohort demonstrated visible progress in terms of knowledge and application of fundamental concepts, key skills, and broader understanding of their implementation in the context of minimum wage and collective bargaining negotiations. Participants were particularly engaged in the economic modules, especially on the macro-economic, cost and international trade aspects, which helped to broaden an understanding amongst workers’ organizations in Cambodia of the key economic and social concepts and criteria that are involved in minimum wage setting and adjustment, and economic factors that may impost cost considerations on operations at the level of individual employers.