Labour minister Ith Samheng presents bouquets of flowers and awards to the winners of the NSSF contest on May 1. LABOUR MINISTRY
Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Ith Samheng celebrated the “Outstanding National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Member” event, which was held at the Peace Hall of the NSSF headquarters on the occasion of International Labour Day, May 1.
“The event promoted the labour rights of workers in the informal and formal economies,” he said.
He added that this year’s event marked the sixth time that the NSSF had held the programme. The event was held in collaboration with the Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association in Cambodia (TAFTAC), the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), the General Department of Bayon Radio and Television and several partner banks.
“It is thanks to the Kingdom’s atmosphere of peace, stability and public order, that we were able to hold this event,” he continued.
He noted that the event had drawn attention to the wide range of social protections that are available to workers.
Executive director of the Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (Central) Moeun Tola said that he was unable to concede that the programme was timely, as many workers still had unresolved issues that the ministry ought to solve.
He added that he would have preferred that the ministry use the budget for the event to pay labour inspectors to address areas that were lacking, and inspect factories and large enterprises to ensure they were not restricting, threatening or discriminating against independent trade unions.
“I am unable to concede that the event promoted workers’ rights. However, I also realise that it offered a chance for worker’s to meet each other and hold discussions, so it is not entirely without benefit.
The labour ministry ran the event from 2015-2019 before it was suspended due to Covid-19 concerns. The event was formerly known as “Unique Textile Beauty”, but was changed to Outstanding NSSF Member this year.
After candidates displayed their unique talents and demonstrated their understanding of the NSSF and its benefits, an evaluation selected the top three winners. A popular winner was also crowned.
Cash prizes of six, five and four million riel were awarded to the top three places, with the popular winner taking home 2.5 million riel.
