The Arbitration Council ordered the reinstatement of at least 169 workers who have

been locked out of Raffles hotel in Siem Reap since industrial action began in mid-April.

The non-binding ruling was handed down on August 11 and said 156 workers should be

returned to work and receive back pay because they had a legitimate reason for not

ending their strike within 48 hours of it being deemed illegal, said Alonzo Suson,

field representative for the American Center for Labor Solidarity.

A further thirteen workers who were on leave at the time of the strike or joined

the industrial action for only a day before their leave started, should also be rehired

and compensated under the Council ruling.

The rest of the 209 workers, a maximum of 40, could be fired by the hotel but would

receive severance pay, said Suson on August 12.

Raffles hotel could not be contacted for comment on whether they will accept the

ruling.