Cambodia: Union expresses concerns over worker safety and livelihoods following surge of COVID-19 in garment factories
“COVID-19 Situation Worsens as Garment Factory Workers Test Positive”, 08 April 2021
Around 50 workers from a Phnom Penh garment factory tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, with Phnom Penh reporting more than 100 new cases and raising concerns over the continued increase in the country’s case count.
Yang Sophorn, president of pro-worker union Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions, said that once garment workers contracted COVID-19 it would be difficult to control the spread in the community.
The union leader is concerned that the factories will have to temporarily shut down resulting in job losses and no salaries for workers.
World Health Organization country representative Dr. Li Ailan said on Wednesday she was very concerned about the current situation.
“We can’t treat everyone [at a hospital] if cases increase more and more. There are fewer recoveries than the new cases,” he said on Tuesday.