"Union appeals to casinos over suspended workers’ wages", 3 April 2020

The Collective Union of Movement of Workers is appealing to casino owners to disburse last month’s wages of suspended employees amid the temporary closure of gambling venues across the Kingdom over novel coronavirus fears.

Prime Minister Hun Sen ... said casinos are temporarily closed starting Wednesday, a move projected to cost 20,000 casino jobs.

CUMW president Pav Sina ... said many casinos have not announced whether suspended employees will still be paid during this period.

“The union is appealing to casinos to pay at least 50 percent of the minimum wage during this suspension,” Mr Sina said.

He said suspended casino, bar and cinema workers are facing challenges because of COVID-19 and will need the government’s help until establishments reopen.

Mr Hun Sen ... said casino owners must pay last month’s wages before employees are laid off.

A suspended casino worker who declined to be named said: “I got my last month’s wages and I returned to my home in Kandal province.”...

..., owners of Yaduoli casino in Sihanoukville disbursed the missing wages of 200 workers following a protest by the latter.

..., the government announced it will cover 20 percent of the minimum wage of suspended workers in the hospitality and F&B industries.

Tourism Ministry spokesman Top Sopheak ... told ... around 28,000 employees are affected by COVID-19 suspensions.

“The ministry is working with other institutions to follow government instructions,” Mr Sopheak said.