The world's attention is focused on London, as countries prepare to compete together in the 2012 Olympics. Millions of pounds in sponsorship deals have been agreed, as companies get ready to capitalise on the games. Expectation and hope are palpable. But far away in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh another story is being woven.
For factory workers, life isn't a walk in the park. 11 hour days are a regular occurrence for many, who choose to take the daily overtime option to make ends meet. Survival on a basic wage of £39 a month is a struggle, especially for mothers. Many live apart from their families and send money home to the provinces where children are being cared for by relatives. Factory-owned apartment blocks are filled with workers sharing a few small rooms, who hope to one day to leave and move on to a better life. One worker says she hopes to save enough to run a small shop, another to move back to the provinces to live with her family and have children.
Many workers are on short term contracts, renewed every six months, despite having worked continuously at the factory for over 5 years. This ruse reduces highly skilled workers to a disposable commodity, and means employers are able to avoid providing social securities or promotions. The cost of rice has more than doubled in Cambodia in the last 5 years, but wages have remained low. When the national minimum wage went up in 2010, rent on the apartments went up by the same amount, meaning workers didn't gain anything.
To read some quotes from workers at this factory see here.
For further information see the Playfair 2012 website
This images from this slideshow were taken by the photo journalist Will Baxter.
