Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - PM: Factory workers on suspension get support

PM: Factory workers on suspension get support

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Garment workers leave their work in Ang Snoul district, Kondal province on January 20. Yousos Apdoulrashim

PM: Factory workers on suspension get support

Prime Minister Hun Sen has officially announced that the government will provide cash assistance to over 32,000 workers in the textile-related sectors whose employment has been suspended due to a reduction in purchasing orders, or whose factories have ceased operations.

While addressing a March 7 event in celebrations of this year’s March 8 International Women’s Day, he noted the importance of an inclusive social protection for the most vulnerable in any society.

“I want to let women know that the government cares about their welfare. Yesterday, I signed permission for cash transfers to be given to those who have been suspended from factory work,” he said.

“I have decided that we will support them through this difficult time, just as we did during the Covid-19 era when so many factories were shuttered,” he added.

He advised Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Ith Samheng to make sure his officials see that everyone who is eligible receive the payments. He also recommended that pregnant women and new mothers receive additional cash assistance to make sure they remain healthy.

On March 6, Hun Sen tasked Samheng and Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth with finding an urgent solution to the suspensions.

Pornmoniroth sent the request to Hun Sen, after determining the cash payments are necessary.

Labour ministry spokesman Heng Sour said that as of February 28, a total of 71 factories – 34 in Phnom Penh and 37 in Kampong Speu province – had suspended a total of 32,023 workers, 20,013 of them in Kampong Speu.

Samheng chaired a March 7 meeting with representatives from the ministries of labour and economy, as well as factory representatives. The meeting aimed to establish cooperation on the payments to suspended workers.

“The factory representatives explained that purchasing orders had declined due to the global economic crisis triggered by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, in addition to the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said the labour ministry.

It added that the number of suspended workers appeared to be on the rise, and it was not yet certain when the situation would be reversed.

The private sector representatives offered their gratitude to Hun Sen for helping the private sector to keep their businesses afloat in times of crisis. They were also grateful that the government would allow the workers to keep their positions until production at the factories resumed.

Samheng said thanked the private sector, especially the employers’ associations, for their “excellent” cooperation during the previous crisis.

“I expect this round of payments to go as smoothly,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • Honda shutters Siem Reap football club

    Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, the owner of Siem Reap football club Soltilo Angkor FC, has been forced to shut the club down, after it failed to attract sponsorship for the upcoming season. Honda, the former manager of the Cambodia men's national football team, said

  • Hun Sen warns of regional tensions

    ASIA is becoming a dangerous geopolitical hotspot, with several countries announcing that they intend to send naval vessels towards Southeast Asia and on to the South China Sea, warned Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Heated geopolitical issues can easily escalate, namely to war. I am not

  • PM declares ASEAN Para Games open

    The 12th ASEAN Para Games officially kicked off on the evening of June 3 at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring fireworks and performances by some of the Kingdom’s most accomplished talents. Tens of thousands of sports fans