Labour ministry resolves industrial disputes at two factories; protests ended

Labour ministry officials address protesting workers at the New Target Footwear factory in Takeo province on Thursday, 8 January. Labour ministry

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A spokesperson from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has shared details of how ministry staff successfully mediated two industrial disputes in recent days. In both cases, protesting workers had blocked the roads outside the factory premises.

A protest by workers at New Target Footwear (Cambodia) Co., Ltd, located in Tram Kak district, Takeo province, was resolved this evening, following careful mediation by ministry officials, according to spokesperson Sun Mesa.

He explained that officials responded promptly to the reported protest.

“Following the ministry’s mediation, both sides agreed to resolve the issue, with workers agreeing to return to work as normal on the morning of January 9,” he said.

He added that the ministry’s swift and effective handling of workers’ issues is a key priority in ensuring the well-being of employees nationwide.

A day earlier, on Wednesday, January 7, the ministry also quickly resolved a protest by workers at the YJC factory, located along National Road 3 in Kong Pisei district, Kampong Speu province.

Mesa explained that after discussions and mediation, both sides reached agreement on several points.

Among the agreed new measures, it was agreed that there would be an end to the use of inappropriate language and verbal abuse toward workers, and that workers who are ill and have medical certificates would be permitted to take leave. In addition, annual leave would be implemented on a rotating basis to ensure continuity of production. All parties committed to mutual non-retaliation and cooperation.

Workers at the plant returned to work this morning.

Mesa stressed that all issues affecting workers, whether in the garment sector or other industries, are addressed promptly and effectively by the labour ministry. He added that workers can lodge complaints or provide other information via the ministry’s 1286 hotline so that officials can assist in resolving their problems.

-The Phnom Penh Post-