Thousands of union leaders and workers from various industries and independent trade unions called for continued fight for civil liberties, respect, and fair wages on the 139th International Labor Day celebration, amid claims by Prime Minister Hun Manet that the government remains committed to improving the labor situation in the country, including their benefits. 

During the celebration at the CDC Park in Phnom Penh, workers chanted slogans, “together, let us continue to observe basic freedoms to ensure social justice”, “construction workers need a basic wage and health and safety policy”, “union freedom is not a crime”, “youth need social protection”, and “respect labor rights, pay decent wages” on the morning of May 1, 2025.

In a joint statement, the workers highlighted 13 key issues such as short-term contracts, production-based employment pressure, poor working conditions, health risks from factory emissions and extreme heat, gender-based violence and harassment, employer discrimination, lack of childcare facilities at work, and threats of unfair dismissal. They added that retaliation and verbal threats or illegal sacking of staff frequently occurs when employees speak out.

Yang Sophorn, president of the Cambodian Trade Union Confederation (CATU), said although the government pays more attention to the garment sector, it still faces many challenges. These include the suppression of basic freedoms when it comes to organizing unions, harassment by factory owners, dismissal from work, the use of short-term contracts, and arrests of union leaders. 

“I see layoffs and dismissals not having an effective resolution mechanism. So every day, we advocate for faster dispute resolution,” Sophorn said, adding that companies continue drawing up short-term contracts without solutions, and implement them “aggressively”.

Another challenge for garment workers is low wages, as it does not cover the cost of living, she said, noting that the “system for determining workers’ wages is not independent”. 

“We do have a tripartite mechanism, but the composition of workers is 17, employers – 17, and government representatives – 17. The question is, if there are 17 equal members, when they vote to set minimum wage, will the workers have any luck? No,” Sophorn said, explaining that the number of worker representatives was not enough to deliver a satisfactory vote.

An Srey Thean, a worker at Yida factory in Kandal province, hopes that the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT) will focus on their working conditions and pay them decent wages so that they can live a decent and dignified life.

“I would like to ask the government to help [with workers’ problems], such as forced overtime and difficulty in taking leave when workers are sick. I would also like them to increase our salaries because our lives are very difficult,” Srey Thean said. 

Vorn Pao, president of Independent Democracy of Informal Economy Association (IDEA), observed that workers’ basic freedoms are suppressed, with no response to real social justice. As such, he hopes that the government will solve the problems as a basis for the European Union to return the 20% preferential treatment under the EBA (Everything But Arms) scheme, and negotiate lower tariffs imposed by the US on Cambodia.

“These are the points we are demanding. For example, the case of Naga World casino workers and short-term contracts has not been resolved, and the union law has not been amended to meet the needs of the union so that we can fully serve the interests of workers,” Pao said. 

Labor Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld president Chhim Sithar said their labor dispute has been going on for more than three years due to discrimination and harassment of workers and union leaders by the Nagaworld owner. There is no legal protection, even though the labor law stipulates the rights of workers and unions.

Sithar asked the government to review workers’ freedom and union freedom, and resolve past issues raised by independent unions to safeguard workers’ livelihood and dignity.

“We are not able to find answers as to why injustice occurs as the law cannot solve it. If the Nagaworld issue is not resolved, it is like breaking the spirit [of workers] and suppressing the rights of unions across the country,” Sithar said. 

Another worker from the brick-making sector, Peng Sokhim, from Kandal province, said as an informal worker, she faces job security, low and irregular wages, and lack of attention to social protection. When she falls sick, she has no money to pay for medical treatment.

“The boss doesn’t give us anything, not even gloves or helmets. We buy them ourselves. I want regular wages and NSSF [National Social Security Fund]. I also want cheap water and electricity because the boss charges us a lot. We work hard,” Sokhim said. 

According to a report by Global Economy, Cambodia’s labor force consists of approximately 9.23 million workers. It includes about 925,000 workers in the garment, footwear, and travel goods sector; 630,000 in the hotel, tourism, and services sector; and nearly 300,000 in construction. 

In 2025, the minimum wage for garment workers rose to $208 per month, far below the living wage of approximately $644.12 (2.64 million riel), according to Asia Floor Wage Alliance.

MLVT spokesperson Heng Sophannarith said workers are supported by the government through the NSSF, including cash aid for female employees and children under two. The NSSF has become a “symbol of public well-being by reducing expenses, stabilizing incomes, and improving health”.

“The ministry has a mission to protect the rights and interests of workers, create a better environment to promote harmonization in industrial relations and culture of legal compliance, strengthen the efficiency of non-judicial labor dispute resolution mechanisms and the implementation of the security system,” he said at the celebration.

Regarding the 13 demands made by the civil society, including broader labor reforms, restoration of freedoms, and increased protections, he told CamboJA News that the ministry has received the request and will convene a meeting with relevant stakeholders to address the concerns. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hun Manet met with civil servants and workers at the Preah Sihanouk Autonomous Port, where he highlighted the government’s commitment to improve labor conditions.

He said the government has consistently directed institutions to protect workers’ rights in accordance with the Labor Law, Trade Union Law, Law on Minimum Wage and international conventions.

“[The government] has created mechanisms to enhance workplace safety, health standards, and provide social protection for unemployed workers via various special funds,” Hun Manet said, although he did not elaborate on the funds.

During the event, he also expressed frustration with overseas opposition groups lobbying the European Union to impose sanctions on Cambodia, which was already facing a 49% tariff from the U.S. He warned that such actions could further harm Cambodian workers. 

Additionally, Hun Manet mentioned that the Cambodian team will meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on May 2 to discuss the tariff, acknowledging that trade talks with the U.S. are not “easy”. 

Although the U.S. has delayed the tariffs for 90 days, unions fear that the eventual tariff could severely impact Cambodia’s garment industry, leading to job losses and lower incomes for workers.