"Giant Ibis Union’s Fight Remains as the Company Goes Back on Promise", 20 October 2023

…, Chanthy, a union member, was among 80 bus drivers who were made redundant without severance and seniority payment when the company suspended operations during the Covid-19 outbreak. Severance and seniority payments are compulsory under the Labor Law…

… The sixth out of 10 children in his family, Bro Seur is responsible for his elderly parents, aged between 65 and 70. He spends his days farming their one hectare land and raising chickens to be sold. “I have an obligation to look after my old and frail parents,” Bro Seur said, his anger evident as he talks about Giant Ibis’ failure to comply with the law, and leaving many employees jobless.

“The company did not compensate us, not even a single cent. When we lost our job, it significantly impacted our ability to support our family. It is important that we have a job to generate income,” he said. Apparently, the company requested to negotiate after Pchum Ben, but Bro Seur is not convinced. “I have already lost faith in the company’s promise,” he shot back.

… Ath Thorn, president of the Cambodian Labor Confederation, which helped the Giant Ibis employees unionize in 2020, said the company’s claims of miscalculating the severance and seniority payments for laid-off employees were just excuses.

… A Giant Ibis representative, Ou Phanny, who is alleged to have acted aggressively towards the union and insulted members during the protest, could not be reached for comment. Phanny had previously denied this allegation ...