• Society

Unions Mark Labor Day with Rights Demands

• By Teng Yalirozy
• May 1, 2024 7:10 PM

PHNOM PENH – Labor and human rights unionists and activists gathered on May 1 to mark the 138th anniversary of Labor Day with a petition for more freedom for unions while the government promised greater labor rights.

More than 10 trade unions and civil groups took to the streets in front of the Ministry of Labor and called for improved labor rights and an end to persecution of unionists.

Some held banners that said, “Demanding union rights is not a crime,” “Stop using the judiciary power to arrest union leaders,” and “Social Justice is the foundation of peace.”

Ou Tepphallin, president of the Cambodian Food and Service Workers' Federation, said the group submitted the petition to the ministry, demanding easy registration and operation of the unions.

She said the amended law on trade unions in 2021 complicated the establishment of unions, which was against their call for easier union association and fundamental rights.

“We just want the unionists to work without any ill-treatment from the employers while they can enjoy the appropriate rights that they deserve and are given equal treatment and benefits,” she said.

“Without the unions, the workers will be exploited and are not aware of the national and international labor rights, under which they are protected.”

Vorn Pao, president of the Independent Democracy of Informal Economic Association, said the workers gathered to demand their rights.

At the beginning of the gathering, they were stopped by the authorities, but later in the day, they were able to proceed to share their voices and​ concerns before submitting the petition and dispersing, he said.

“We only want greater labor rights where the workers can lead a decent life without persecution,” Pao said.

At the same time, the Cambodian Labour Confederation and more than 1,000 participants from all walks of life celebrated the day with the petition to the National Assembly. They asked for the promotion of labor rights and working conditions of workers.

Ath Thorn, president of CLC, said workers should keep asking and advocating for labor benefits for a decent life.

“We do not have any political tendencies and are not sided with the ruling or the opposition party but we are seeking solutions to the workers’ problems,” he said. “We have the right to fill any gap in the government and demand social benefits.”

Prime Minister Hun Manet said he strived for profound reform of his policy to ensure development and improve people’s livelihood with sufficient wages in line with the ambition to achieve high-income status by 2050.

However, Khun Tharo, a program manager at CENTRAL, said there was still a need to address systematic labor rights violations. He said unions still faced challenges in registration and collective bargaining.

The judiciary's inaction in resolving labor disputes had hindered the right to justice, and the COVID-19 pandemic intensified restrictions on peaceful assembly and expression, limiting protests and strikes.