Saving money because of social security - Cambodia, 2022

TESTIMONY 

Name: Mrs. Gnil Kimy

Age :  38 years old

Nationality: Cambodian

Profession: garment worker

Before Mrs. Gnil was unaware regarding the social security system of Cambodia (National Social Security Fund or NSSF), which covers health insurance, work accidents and pension. So when Mrs. Gnil had a health problem, she would go to the hospital or to the doctor and spend a lot of money on medicines and health checks. But she attended a training from CLC where experts of the NSSF explained the social security law, the benefits workers can avail through the social security system. After the training she had a clear understanding of the NSSF and how to apply for its benefits. Mrs. Gnil got access to the NSSF and if she falls sick now, she can consult a doctor and obtain her medicines for free, so she can save money for her family. When she gave childbirth, she also received financial support from the NSSF for several months.

In the companies where there is a union, it is possible to get access to the NSSF and to save on health spending, because expenses due to sickness or a work accident are covered by the social security.

Some results by intervention strategy...

Social security: 

1.100 union leaders and workers, of which 30% women and 35% younger than 35 years, were reached through actions focusing on giving better access to social security, through awareness raising initiatives, basic and advanced training, legal assistance and support, research and advocacy to decision makers. For many workers it is not easy to join the trainings because during the day the workers need to focus on their work, as they don’t want their salary to be cut or to be dismissed.

CLC had a chance to lobby, advocacy and bring up workers’ problems with the quality of the NSSF services, as its president is sitting in the board of the NSSF.  Within CLC a committee was established in 2022 for Examining, Monitoring and Evaluating the Implementation of Social Security Scheme. One result of its actions is that from 1st October on the new pension scheme is being implemented and that in the agricultural sector an additional 500 members have registered in the NSSF.