Over 150 workers of a Cambodian textile factory, Teng Xun Limited, staged a protest in Kampong Speu Province’s Samrong Tong District on September 4. The workers are demanding better working conditions.
The garment manufacturing industry in Cambodia employs an estimated 700,000 people. The sector has outperformed Vietnam to become the fifth largest garment exporter to the European Union (EU). However, the issue of working conditions have been impacting the industry time and again with continuous protests.
The protesting labourers of Teng Xun have even submitted a written petition to the Labour Department of the country. They want the Government to take an action on their list of demands.
The workers have expressed anger over no extra leaves for pregnant workers, pay deductions on sick and injury days, and arbitrary firings. They further demand transparency in ownership changes and better contract negotiations.
Choek Borin, Head, Provincial Labour Department, reportedly said, “We will meet the company officials. But first thing, the workers must go back to work and we will then find a solution to the problem.”
Representatives of Teng Xun Limited have not yet commented on the issue.
