The dismissal of a worker allegedly fired by Xin Lan (Cambodia) garment factory in Kandal province’s Ang Snuol district for frequently relieving himself on the factory’s perimeter fence has sparked a mass strike of about 1,000 fellow workers – almost all of the factory’s staff.

Nov Chantha, a representative of the Free Trade Union at Xin Lan factory, said yesterday that workers were striking to demand points including the reinstatement of the dismissed worker, US$10 travel allowance, $10 attendance bonus, $13 monthly food allowance and a hot water container.

“We strike and do not give notice to the factory, because we feel angry over the worker’s dismissal. Workers’ anger becomes big and they demand other benefits because they know nearby factories get good benefits,” he said.

However, the demands have been rejected by Xin Lan factory management who say the strike is illegal and refuse to negotiate.

Chhun Leang, a representative of factory administration said that the factory closed its doors yesterday while there were no workers, and slammed the union for manipulating and provoking workers.

“We have nothing to negotiate, because what they demanded from the company, the company has already resolved to provide them at the end of the month,” Leang said.

He said the worker had not been fired but had finished his contract which had not been renewed because of his conduct.

To contact the reporter on this story: Chhay Channyda at [email protected]