Employees at a Kampot province cement factory yesterday hit the pause button on a strike when the company’s general manager agreed to meet with workers.

Discontent at the Chinese-owned Chakrey Ting Cement factory has existed among Cambodian employees for some time. Policies that require sick Cambodian employees to seek their own medical care while the factory pays for the medical care of Chinese employees have not sat well with some, said In Channy, a security guard.

“Staffers demand the company treats Cambodian and Chinese staff equally in treatment and in pay,” Channy said. “Some of us have worked here a long time but still earn little.”

Factory officials and worker representatives will meet today under the supervision of Kampot’s Labour Depart-ment, Oeung Bouheng, provincial labour director, said.