Refusal to pay bonuses ignites strike

Hitting empty pots with spoons yesterday, about 600 striking workers symbolised what they say is their inability to feed their families because of their factory’s refusal to pay seniority bonuses.

Employees of Phnom Penh’s Chuen Leu garment factory – called Huey Chuen until earlier this year – marched to the National Assembly and Ministry of Labour, delivering petitions pleading for government intervention.

Cambodia’s Labour Law dictates that when a factory changes its name, it must pay out seniority bonuses accrued by staff.

“We have travelled to the National Assembly four times and the Ministry of Labour nine times asking for help,” said Long Panha, a representative of workers who have been striking for about two months. “They have only made promises.”

Chuen Leu officials could not be reached for comment.

Vong Sovann, deputy secretary general of the Committee for the Settlement of Strikes and Demonstrations, said Minister of Labour Ith Sam Heng is considering action on the petition.

Contact author: Mom Kunthear

MOST VIEWED

Ream base allegations must end, urges official
A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical
Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing
To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable
CP denied registration documents by ministry
The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do
PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1
Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to
Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit
Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former
Minimum wage set at $204, after Sep 28 vote
The minimum wage for factory workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods industries for 2024 has been decided at $204 per month, with the government contributing $2. Following several negotiation sessions, the tripartite talks reached an agreement during a September 28 vote, with 46 of 51 votes supporting the $202 figure.