NagaWorld reinstates workers

PHNOM PENH-The biggest casino in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh has reinstated hundreds of workers including croupiers, drivers and cleaners, many of whom were sacked after walking out over wages and conditions, a union leader said Thursday.

More than 400 workers at the NagaWorld hotel and casino were sacked or suspended from their jobs last week after striking to demand a pay hike from US$80 to US$150 a month and improved working conditions.

Sok Narith, vice president of the Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers Federation, said all workers had returned to work after a court injunction was issued on Tuesday ordering workers to end their strike and the company to reinstate them.

But he warned the dispute was not resolved adding: “We are not happy yet because our demands have not been met.”

Gambling is legal for foreigners in Cambodia and the country draws tens of thousands of Thais and Chinese — whose own countries ban betting — to its tables.

The kingdom has seen repeated bouts of labour unrest, which has on occasion turned ugly with strikers injured by security forces.

Cambodian workers have frequently demonstrated against low wages and tough conditions in the multibillion-dollar textile industry, which produces goods for top western brands.

Earlier this month, hundreds of garment workers were fired from a factory making sportswear for US giant Nike after a series of pay protests.

Sourced: ttrweekly