"Garment workers say will protest until benefits paid", 9 July 2022

More than 200 garment workers, who are on a labour dispute with Canteran Apparel (Cambodia) Co Ltd, said yesterday they will continue their protest for pending salaries and benefits from the company.

The workers started their protest in front of the factory at Choam Chao I commune, Por Senchey district on May 9.

With the strike in its second month, the factory owner is holding out and the protesters say they will not budge until they are paid.

Khmer Times could not reach the factory owner for a comment yesterday.

San Sopha, 40, a president of the  workers union said yesterday that they had approached the authorities concerned for help to resolve their issue but in vain.

On May 9, nearly 300 workers, including Sopha, blocked Veng Sreng Street demanding salary and other benefits from the factory owner.

She said that Meanchey district governor Pang Lyda mediated and offered a resolution but nothing had materialised...

Prak Sopha, a 42-year-old representative of workers, said that he had been working at the factory for 24 years and in May the owners ordered the workers to transport generators and sewing machines to a new factory and fill out a new profile to start working in the new place.

“But we refused to accept the new documents because we will lose the existing employment benefits, including salary and other sponsorships, if we join a new employer,” he added.

“We are planning to file a petition seeking intervention of the Council of Ministers so that the government can resolve the dispute as early as possible,” he added.

Meanwhile, Labour Ministry spokesman Heng Sour said yesterday that the Ministry has sent officials to resolve the dispute and promised to mediate as soon as possible.

“We have been trying to resolve the labour disputes for the workers at Canteran Apparel since the beginning of the strike on May 9. Resolving labour disputes and strikes usually takes time, as the case needs proper study,” he added...