"Entertainment workers make fresh appeal for gov’t support", 11 June 2020

A group of more than 20 entertainment industry workers submitted a second petition to the Labor Ministry … appealing for financial assistance while KTVs and nightclubs remain closed amid the Covid-19 outbreak. 

Oum Manith, vice president of the Cambodian Food and Service Workers Federation (CFSWF) union, led the group of entertainment workers to the ministry to submit their petition, which had been thumbprinted by 99 workers calling on the Labor Ministry to provide them with emergency funding.

“The workers requested the government provide them with $40 per month until the Covid-19 virus has eased and until their workplaces open again,” Manith said. “They also requested the government help to intervene with landlords to reduce the fees of rental homes, water, and electricity and to help them afford food.”

… the government ordered KTVs, nightclubs, cinemas and casinos to shutter until further notice in a bid to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.

A statement from CFSWF issued the same day estimated that about 80,000 workers would be affected.

… CFSWF President Ou Tepphallin said that most entertainment workers have not been able to find new employment since March 17.

“Most of them do not have money to pay rent, water, electricity or to buy food,” she said. “Some landlords allowed them to delay payment for a few months.”…

Nin Vannak, a deputy secretary-general on the Committee for the Resolution of Strikes at the Labor Ministry, acknowledged receipt of the latest petition.

… Meanwhile, KTV workers continue to struggle to support their families or find new employment…