The International Republican Institute (IRI) is urging foreigners to continue boycotting

Raffles hotels in Cambodia.

In a press release issued on Thursday June 17, the US-government funded non-profit

organisation expressed "deep concern" that the management of Le Royal in

Phnom Penh and Grand Hotel d'Angkor in Siem Reap had failed to settle the lingering

dispute, despite the Arbitration Council's ruling in favor of the Le Royal workers

being reinstated and receiving back pay.

The 97 striking workers were fired in April. In Siem Reap 190 strikers were fired

in May. The hotel managements organised what the Council said were unlawful elections

of worker delegates with whom it then entered into collective employment agreements.

"Right and wrong in this case is crystal clear and Raffles is wrong. IRI appeals

to all foreigners to boycott Raffles until this issue is resolved in a way that gives

the workers the respect they deserve," IRI wrote. "The current boycott

by the international community continues, including the US Embassy. Each day Raffles

refuses to settle the strike their public image declines."

The disagreements started over the 10 percent service charge, which the workers claimed

should be theirs.

Other hotels, such as Cambodiana and Intercontinental have successfully resolved

issues with their striking workers.