Civil servants have again pushed the government to introduce a long-awaited insurance plan for government workers injured on the job.

In a June 10 letter to Minister of Social Affairs Vong Sauth, the Cambodian Independent Civil Servants Association (CICA) calls for a National Social Security Fund – provisions for which were spelled out in a 2008 sub-decree – to be introduced. CICA president Kao Poeun said civil servants were often left to pay their own medical bills when injured at work.

“They have to spend their own money to treat their injuries after accidents,” he said.

The government operates the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) for private sector workers. The fund covers employees in such industries as garments and construction.

Civil servants, however, do not enjoy the same collective bargaining rights allowed in the private sector and are not covered by the fund.