A FORMER worker at a prominent union has accused its leader of violating the Labour Law by ordering his dismissal.

Far Saly, who says he was employed by the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, says he was unfairly sacked after failing to show up for a May 18 meeting.

He has filed a complaint with the Ministry of Labour’s department of labour disputes against union head Chea Mony.

“Mr Chea Mony leads workers to demonstrate against any Labour Law violations of garment factories. But he himself does not obey the labour laws. If he wants those firms to respect the laws, he himself must respect the labour laws first,” said Far Saly, who is demanding US$1,000 in severance.

However, Chea Mony said Far Saly was never an employee at the union, but rather a volunteer looking to gain work experience. He accused Far Saly of improperly taking money from garment factories during his time at the union.

“He has committed many mistakes since 2008. Mr Saly himself knows clearly what he did,” he said.

Chea Mony said the complaint was politically motivated, and that Far Saly had relationships with government officials who hoped to smear the union.

Houn Soeur, the deputy chief of the labour disputes department, said authorities were looking into the complaint. He could not offer a timeline on when it might be resolved.