Fifty Dangkor district security guards removed their uniforms in front of the district hall yesterday morning in protest for better pay and conditions.

According to a National Police statement, the men were demonstrating against District Governor Nuth Puth Dara “for using them without good pay or a daily meal, which is different from the previous governor”.

The governor denied yesterday that the disgruntled guards were protesting over pay, rather that their workload had increased since he came into office.

“Now there is more work to be done, marshalling traffic jams and enforcing public order on the streets and in the markets,” he said. “They did not understand and some shouted, but after I spoke to them they agreed to go back to work.”

He explained that the security guards’ monthly salary would be increased from 330,000 riel (about $81) to 400,000 riel (about $98) and they will be given one free meal a day while working. They will also only have to work every second day.

Cambodia National Rescue Party district councillor Men Sithol said yesterday that the 50 protesters accounted for only half of the district’s security guards and that they returned to work after a one-hour meeting with the governor.

Following the meeting, 30 were dispatched to Prey Sar in anticipation of Black Monday protesters, who didn’t show up.

The striking guards declined to comment on the protest.