Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Sovantha union protest draws wrath of FTU

Sovantha union protest draws wrath of FTU

Toch Ser, the newly elected Free Trade Union president, talks to the media last month at a union congress in Phnom Penh.
Toch Ser, the newly elected Free Trade Union president, talks to the media last month at a union congress in Phnom Penh. Sen David

Sovantha union protest draws wrath of FTU

The Free Trade Union (FTU) yesterday asked the Labour Ministry to take legal action against social media celebrity Thy Sovantha and student activist Srey Chamroeun for claiming to represent unions and workers at a protest.

On Sunday, the duo and 100 garment workers took to Freedom Park to protest CNRP leader Sam Rainsy’s pitch to the EU to put pressure on Cam-bodian garment industry imports to effect change.

FTU deputy president Man Seng Hak said the two had violated articles 80 and 81 of the Trade Union Law, which prevents people from operating a union without registration. As evidence, they cited letters sent to City Hall requesting permission for the rally.

Sovantha’s letter states: “We are representatives of unions and workers from about 10 factories which have 110,000 employees.” Sovantha and Chamroeun said they had not claimed to be representing workers or unions.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the