Workers striking at Caltex petrol stations put their grievances on the record with the US Embassy yesterday, submitting a petition asking for intervention in their case.

Cambodian Food and Service Workers’ Federation president Sar Mora, along with some 40 members of Caltex’s staff, gathered at the embassy, asking the US to help in their quest for a salary of $160 per month and an annual $160 bonus.

“We know that the US government always pays a lot attention to the rights of employees and working conditions in Cambodia,” Mora said to embassy staff member David Kaplan.

Caltex employees at all 18 locations in Phnom Penh began striking on Monday and workers at some provincial branches have since joined. About 300 are currently striking, Mora said.

In an email, Chanlek Than, a spokesperson for Chevron (Cambodia) Limited – a parent to Caltex – said the company is eager to solve the problem and fears inconveniencing

its customers.

“Our priority is to resolve this issue amicably and to resume operations,” Than said.