Workers protest outside the Canteran apparel factory in Chaom Chao commune of the capital’s Por Sen Chey district in April. Heng Chivoan
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has announced that wages and seniority payments will be made to laid-off workers at Canteran Apparel Cambodia Co Ltd. Meanwhile, it advised the workers to prepare their documents ahead of receiving payment.
The announcement came after Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered the ministry to release state funds and compensate workers who have been abandoned by factory owners.
The factory, which the employer closed and fled, is located in Chaom Chao I commune’s Trapeang Thleung 3 village of the capital’s Por Sen Chey district.
In an August 17 notice, the ministry said it will make pay of owed wages and benefits using the government’s advance budget, in accordance with the spirit of the labour law.
It added that there were three payments owed: last month’s unpaid wages, remaining annual leave allowances and seniority bonuses.
“Please wait for more information from the General Secretariat of the Committee for Strike and Demonstration Resolution in the near future,” it said.
The ministry advised the workers to prepare the necessary documents.
“While you are waiting for instructions, please contact the National Employment Agency. They will assist you to find new job to maintain your income,” it said.
Tes Rukhaphal, secretary-general of the committee, told The Post on August 18 that the ministry was working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
He said the ministry dealt with these scenarios on a case-by-case basis. This did not mean that it would automatically pay compensation to all workers.
“We were instructed to assist this factory immediately, but the same principles do not apply in all cases. Generally, we investigate the precise circumstances before we release money from the state budget,” he said.
Separately, Preah Sihanouk provincial authorities announced the settlement of a case involving workers at Tong Fang Palirin Casino Hotel.
The casino, located in Commune II’s Village 1 of Preah Sihanouk town, had its operations suspended after two Chinese men were shot dead on the premises on July 30.
The provincial labour department instructed the former employees to collect wages and severance pay from the department on August 18.
“After careful deliberation and thorough investigations, the department has cashed cheques and will make payments to all of the former employees,” it confirmed.
