More than 1,000 employees will return to work in Svay Rieng province today after the management of Atlantic Best Way bicycle factory agreed to most of their wage and benefit demands, ending a two-day strike.

On Sunday, workers from two of the company’s factories in Bavet town’s Manhattan Special Economic Zone demanded US$15 for health care costs, $10 for travel expenses and a $7 bonus each month.

Workers also demanded the factory cease deducting their salaries for their day off on Sunday and public holidays as well as a daily $0.50 lunch allowance.

Keov Kong, a police officer from Bavet town, said the strike had ended without violence after the company agreed to all but one of the workers’ demands.

“The demand for heath care expenses of $15 per month was rejected because Prime Minister Hun Sen has [previously] ordered that companies only offer five dollars,” he said.

Workers had also insisted they not be forced to wear proper uniforms and boots, insisting they should be free to dress as they pleased, Keov Kong said.

Has Bunthy, director of the labour department in Svay Rieng province, said: “They have finally agreed to end the strike.”

Representatives of Atlantic Best Way and the workers could not be reached for comment yesterday.