Cambodian garment factory workers demonstrate for subsidies
| Publisher | Radio Free Asia |
| Publication Date | 14 July 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Asia, Cambodian garment factory workers demonstrate for subsidies, 14 July 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55b1f84723.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
2015-07-14
Garment factories workers demonstrate outside the Ministry of Labor in Phnom Penh, July 14, 2015. RFA
At least 500 workers from three garment factories in Cambodia demonstrated on Tuesday outside the Labor Ministry in the capital Phnom Penh, demanding that government officials intervene in their quest for better working conditions and food and transportation subsidies.
The workers from two factories owned by the company Akeentex in Phnom Penh and one owned by Sixplus in southern Cambodia's Kandal province marched through the streets until they reached the ministry building, where they submitted petitions asking government officials to intervene because their factories refused to meet their demands for subsidies about a week ago.
Both companies meet minimum wage requirements, but they do not give any subsidies that are typically paid to workers in Cambodia.
Sum Rorng, president of the Union Federation for Worker Security, told RFA's Khmer Service that his union workers from Sixplus started striking on July 1 to demand subsidies for meals, transportation and housing.
"We have asked for money for transportation and five more dollars for rent and another 1,000 riel [U.S. $0.24] for food," he said.
Pav Sina, president of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers, told RFA that workers at Akeentex had gone on strike in early July, calling on the company to meet nine demands, including increasing food subsidies, providing transportation subsidies and improving work conditions.
A rival union defended the factory during the strike, but there was no violence, he said.
RFA could not reach the factories for comments.
After submitting their petitions to the ministry, the workers marched to the National Assembly [parliament] and prime minister's office to seek intervention.
They said they would continue their demonstration if their factories continued to refuse to meet their demands.
Reported by Tha Thai for RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Link to original story on RFA website
