Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Carlsberg defends its partner in labour row

Carlsberg defends its partner in labour row

Angkor beer promotion workers protest outside the company’s headquarters in Phnom Penh’s Por Sen Chey district last month.
Angkor beer promotion workers protest outside the company’s headquarters in Phnom Penh’s Por Sen Chey district last month. Hong Menea

Carlsberg defends its partner in labour row

Brewing giant Carlsberg has denied accusations that Cambrew, which brews Angkor beer and is half-owned by the Danish beer conglomerate, illegally fired 11 beer promoters for striking against longer working hours and fixed-term contracts.

In a response issued on Tuesday, Carlsberg claimed that 11 beer sellers who said they were fired on January 21 for going on strike had in fact refused to sign their latest one-year fixed contracts beforehand. Carlsberg also said that Cambrew conducted extensive talks with unions about the decision to shift working hours until 11pm.

“The working hours were changed due to current market demand in Phnom Penh and by request from the company’s customers, restaurant, bar and event owners,” the statement reads.

But Sar Mora, president of the Cambodian Food and Service Workers Federation, which represents the strikers, slammed Carlsberg’s statement.

Mora said the 11 sellers had already worked for Cambrew for more than two years under fixed contracts, entitling them to permanent contracts under the Labour Law, one of the main reasons the dispute began.

Mora also blasted Cambrew’s claim it consulted unions, since Cambrew’s majority union is pro-employer and is not seen by the CFSWF as independent.

“Are they legitimate?” Mora asked rhetorically.

The dispute is currently at the Arbitration Council. A verdict is due at the end of the month.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the