"Ex-Cintri employees accept compensation package, end protests", 6 February 2020

Former employees of waste collection company Cintri (Cambodia) Ltd … accepted a compensation deal offered by Phnom Penh authorities. The agreement ends a series of protests that have forced the closure of sections of Monivong Boulevard.

More than 100 ex-Cintri employees agreed to the compensation package offered by Phnom Penh Municipal Hall, consisting of an undisclosed amount in severance pay and the promise of work at the upcoming Phnom Penh Autonomous Authority.

Nhor Buntha, a representative of the employees, told … that the severance pay is to be disbursed in two instalments. The first payment was made this month and the second will be paid in March…

“I thank the Phnom Penh municipal authorities for helping us. Without their intervention, we wouldn’t have reached an agreement,” Buntha said.

He said the Phnom Penh Municipal Hall told the employees that they could begin work at Phnom Penh Autonomous Authority as soon as it begins operations “in the near future”.

… Centre for Alliance of Labour and Human Rights executive director Moeun Tola congratulated the authorities for finding a solution to the dispute but questioned the deal’s legality.

“According to the law, the compensation money must be paid in full within 48 hours. It cannot be paid over an extended period. But, if the employees agreed to it, then it’s ok,” he said.