Unions Submit 18-Point Petition; Demand Morm Rithy’s Release, Decent Working Conditions, NSSF Benefits
Textile, garment, industry, services, transport, agriculture, construction, and informal economy unions and workers have taken a significant step towards advocating for labor rights. They submitted an 18-point petition to the government, aligning with the 76th International Human Rights Day. This petition urges the government to release the Cambodian Tourism and Services Workers Federation (CTSWF) president Morm Rithy, ensure decent working conditions, and provide National Social Security Fund (NSSF) benefits to workers.
Hundreds of union representatives and workers gathered at Freedom Park on December 8, 2024, to celebrate under the theme “Freedom of Trade Unions, Association and Social Protection Systems.” The gathering aimed to raise awareness about human rights and labor rights, express concerns, and offer suggestions to decision-makers and trade union federations.
Within the petition, there are several crucial demands including the release of Morm Rithy, dropping his charges, freeing union member Morm Sreyleak of Jinbei Group in Preah Sihanouk, and granting a pardon to Dul Nareth, formerly of pharmaceutical manufacturer VE (Cambodia) Ltd. Kong Soda, Rithy’s wife, expressed hope for her husband’s release, stating he was advocating for workers’ rights on behalf of the union.
Moreover, the unions have called for amending Articles 13, 50, 58, and 59 of the Trade Union Law to secure workers’ rights to form trade unions and strike. They urged the government and National Assembly to ratify Convention No. 189 on the “Protection of the Rights of Workers in Domestic Work” and Convention No. 190 on “Violence and Harassment” to eliminate workplace gender-based violence and harassment completely.
The petition also seeks to expedite social security systems in workplaces, strengthen medical and health care services, and expand NSSF registration, particularly for workers in construction, steel sectors, and brick kilns.
Kong Athit, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Labour (CLC), emphasized the critical nature of workers’ voices in highlighting issues to the government. He advocated for freedom of association, social protection, decent wages, and a comprehensive social security regime. Athit encouraged workers to organize and train, forming new unions to send a unified message to the government.
Representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reiterated that labor rights are human rights. The ILO noted substantial changes in Cambodia’s union landscape over the last three decades and highlighted existing challenges. They called for improved coordination of union registration to avoid complex procedures, ensuring the representation of workers’ interests and legal rights.
Meanwhile, Labor and Vocational Training Minister Heng Sour acknowledged the government’s shared vision with workers on this year’s International Human Rights Day theme. He encouraged open dialogue and collaboration between workers, civil organizations, and the government to address worker issues, enhance the economy, and boost exports.
Garment worker Phem Sumriyada from Kandal province stressed the need for decent salaries and conditions across sectors, praising unions for their role in improving workplace environments. Similarly, factory worker Tha Tola emphasized salary adjustments in line with living costs, while Sek Sreykeo from the construction sector voiced her concerns regarding workplace accidents and the necessity for NSSF registration to ease medical burdens from accidents.
In closing, there is a call for platforms to facilitate NSSF registration for all workers, including those in the informal sector. This inclusion is seen as vital to extending social protection comprehensively.
