"Striking workers given ultimatum", 3 January 2019

Garment workers on strike in Phnom Penh are defying an ultimatum made by some of their employers ordering them to return to work within 48 hours or lose their jobs.

Thousands of workers from Seduno Investment Cambo Fashion and W&D factory have been on strike ... They are demanding the companies pay their seniority indemnity and severance benefits.

According to the Labour Ministry, factories must pay workers a seniority payment every six months; factories must also pay severance upon conclusion of an employment contract...

The striking garment workers are now occupying their respective factory compounds in Dangkor and Meanchey districts.

Bun Samnang, a representative of W&D garment factory workers, ... said the ultimatum was delivered to his group during a meeting with his company.

“We were told to return to work within 48 hours,” Mr Samnang said. “If not, the company will terminate our contracts without compensation.”...

Meanwhile, workers from Seduno Investment Cambo Fashion in Dangkor district, are continuing their strike in order to demand for their benefits.

A worker ... said the company told them to return to work within 48 hours or be terminated, noting that only about 100 workers from her group have so far returned...

Labour Ministry spokesman Heng Sour ... said that he agreed with the companies in issuing the 48-hour ultimatum.

Mr Sour said workers who do not return to work could lose their jobs...