October 24, 2019
Nearly 1,000 factory workers protest over late wages

Nearly 1,000 workers of a Chinese-owned factory yesterday held a protest over late payment of wages and for better working conditions in Banteay Meanchey province’s Poipet city.

The protesters outside ML Intimate Apparel (Cambodia) in the O’ Neang Special Economic Zone dispersed after authorities intervened.

Van Channy, 35, a worker, yesterday said that they decided to protest because the company frequently paid their wages a day later than other factories.

“The factory pays wages to us twice a month as the Ministry of Labour has directed, but our factory often pays us late and we cannot accept this,” he said. “We want the employers to pay us on time.”

Mr Channy noted that this was not the first time that the workers had protested against the late payments.

He added that the workers were also protesting against the factory for forcing them to work overtime and sometimes work until 8pm or 10pm.

Pav Sina, president of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers, yesterday said the workers had informed him about their concerns and difficulties they face at their workplace.

“As unionists, we do not want to see factory owners who do business in Cambodia abuse our laws,” he said. “We want all investors in Cambodia to respect our country’s laws, and the rights of workers.”

Mr Sina said that between 700 and 800 workers took part in yesterday’s protest and the city governor, provincial Labour department officials and relevant authorities intervened.

He noted that the employer will pay the wages today.
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50653802/n ... ate-wages/