More than 20 labour groups said yesterday that they are sending a petition to the government regarding changes to the contentious trade union law currently being drafted by the Ministry of Labour.

The petition will also be sent to foreign embassies and other international institutions asking them to intervene and cease the creation of the law, which some union leaders say violates international labour conventions and freedoms of workers.

The government previously held consultations regarding the draft, but according to Cambodia Tourism and Service Workers Federation president Morm Rithy, the Labour Ministry failed to incorporate suggestions that were raised.

Labour Ministry spokesman Heng Sour said they will submit the petition to inter-ministerial groups for consideration.

“There are more than 3,400 unions in Cambodia, and only about 20 unions sent this request,” Sour said. “It’s not a common voice expressing workers’ desires, but we will accept the minority’s request.”

The law is set to be completed by this month.