Hundreds of workers at a garment factory in Kampong Chhnang province blocked National Road 5 for about four hours yesterday, leading to a standoff with police.

Sous Sokha, an official with the Khmer Union Federation of Workers Spirit, said it was the second day that the workers from Jiun Ye Garment had taken to the road in Samaki Meanchey district to demand better working conditions, including a $15 monthly attendance bonus.

Sokha said a minor scuffle with security forces ensued, but no one was injured.

Doung Hong, district police chief, said his officers went to “protect” workers lest a fight with those boycotting occurred.

“I will join negotiations at the factory [today] to finish this dispute,” he said. Worker representative Yin Chinreoun said protesters will block the road again today if complaints are not addressed. Factory officials could not be reached.