"Workers feel pain as entertainment establishments remain closed", 07 May 2020

Displaced workers from the entertainment industry ... appealed for an intervention from the government as they struggle to make ends meet amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Their appeal comes after the government, ..., announced a COVID-19 stimulus for affected workers in the garment and tourism industry.

The Ministry of Health ... shuttered KTV establishments, nightclubs and cinemas nationwide in response to the surge of coronavirus cases ...

Cambodia Food and Service Workers’ Federation ... met with two representatives of entertainment workers to hear their concerns about the closures.

Ngoun Srey, a worker at a karaoke bar in Phnom Penh, ... said she has been out of work since the closure was enforced.

“We worked in the entertainment industry. We also need help from the government as we have also lost our jobs and are now unable to support our daily needs,” she said.

Another entertainment worker Som Sophea said after being suspended from her job as KTV staff, she has been working as a part-time dishwasher in a restaurant.

“We find it difficult to find another job as most establishments are not hiring. I have no income yet. I have to pay for monthly rental and utility fees,” said Ms Sophea, ...

CFSWF president Ou Tep Phallin said ... 80,000 workers of entertainment establishments – most of which employ women – have borne the brunt of the nationwide closures.

On Labour Day, representatives of ... Service Worker’s Federation sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Hun Sen, suggesting the government ensure that furloughed employees receive 60 percent of their wages during COVID-19...