About 50 drivers for Capitol Tours Bus Company continued their strike yesterday, claiming the company asked them to sign new contracts that place their benefits and bonuses in jeopardy.

The company denies the claims.

Last Thursday the Arbitration Council and the Phnom Penh Municipal Court ordered the protesters to end a strike begun earlier in July over five fired union leaders, despite the company’s refusal to rehire the workers.

Sem Sokha, a representative of the drivers, said that the employees wanted to return to work, but when they informed the company of their compliance they were presented with new documents that limit the workers’ rights.

According to Sokha, the document states that workers “admit to [their] mistake” and that “if they have problems with working they will leave without receiving any benefits”.

“We cannot do that,” Sokha said. “We are not wrong.”

Phou Kok Vann, a representative of Capitol Tours, said workers are required to sign an administrative letter of their new “notice date” – not a new contract – adding there is no plan to cancel bonuses.