With a court date hanging over his head for his involvement in the Tai Yang factories strike in Kandal province, Cambodian Confederation of Unions president Rong Chhun yesterday intervened in another garment dispute, this time in Kampong Speu province.

About 1,000 workers entered day five of their strike at Anful Garment factory, a supplier to global brand H&M, in Samrong Tong district, continuing their demands for better working conditions.

Chhun, responding to a letter from the workers, arrived at the site yesterday.

“The workers have demanded US$70 per month in wages, $15 per month for lunch allowances, double for working on public holidays and health services in the factory,” he said.

Kandal court has issued a second summons for Chhun to appear for questioning over a complaint from Tai Yang Enterprises’ Director General Jack Liu that he defamed management and incited workers to strike illegally at factories in Ang Snuol district.

Chhun said he will attend court as summonsed.

Ou Ta, administrative officer at Anful Garment, said workers at his factory had been tricked into striking.  

“Some workers do not even know the reason they’re striking,” he said. “The strike is illegal. They did not send a letter informing the company they intended to strike.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Mom Kunthear at [email protected]