Ex-workers of NAGA World Not Allowed to Hold Press Conference

A planned press conference to hold on July 31, 2009 by 14 former NAGA workers was not allowed by Phnom Penh authorities as the second time. The conference was to hold in front of NAGA World, the first largest casino in Cambodia for the reason that the 14 people, also union group leaders, known as negotiating group for common interest of all laborers, were able to express their opinions over the work condition, demand that they be allowed to start their job again.

Mr. Ath Thon, the president of Cambodia Labor Confederation said the Government had refused the request for press conference, then those un-employed felt so afraid that they did not dare to do the conference without permission.

According to Mr. Sok Narith, 34, one of 14 union leaders clarified the reason for their fire from work on August 3, 2009 that they were union leaders in the company, the negotiating group for common interest for workers in NAGA. For instance during January 2008, they had requested the company to increase their annual salary and bonus, but the company did not reply. On February 17, 2008 the company asked them to meet, and told that the company did not have enough money to supply as demanded due to economic crisis. However, the union did not agree with the company because they knew that the company had earned a lot, such as in 2007, 144 million dollars and 2008, 193.5 million thanks to the report of the company on the website. Up to 26 February, the company stopped the 14 people immediately, by preparing the last month’s salary. That day some of them just worked for only one hour and the other just arrived. The NAGA body guards escorted them to the office of Human Resource to get the payment and then asked them out.

They have negotiated with company since their dismissal for good solution so that they are able to work again because they all have more than 10 years’ experience there; and it is difficult for them to apply for a new job at new place. However, on July 29, 2009 they [14 people] received the complaints from vice prosecutor Hing Bunchea at Phnom Penh Municipal Court for defamation, disinformation and incitement. They were asked to clarify on July 30, but requested to postpone.

On August 10, they had to present at court for questioning, but two of them had sent a letter to say that they stopped protesting against the company. Then there were only 12 left. On that day 6 of them came to the court, whereas as the other 6 sent letters to demonstrate the case.

Mr. Sok Narith illuminated that so far all 14 union leaders have not done anything, but the members around 1,000 people wrote a letter with their thumbprints to Tourism Federation in the company to solve the problem of the 14.