"NagaWorld Labor Dispute Back in Spotlight After Four-Year Standoff", 14 January 2026

Unionists from Cambodia’s longest-ever labor dispute renewed calls on the government … to help resolve their standoff with casino resort NagaWorld.

They demanded the reinstatement of sacked workers, the clearing of criminal records for unionists they say were wrongly jailed, and respect for labor rights, calling the case a test of Cambodia’s commitment to justice and human rights.

It has been over four years since workers at the country’s largest hotel and gambling resort began striking, accusing NagaWorld of trying to dismantle the independent Labor Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU) through mass dismissals and legal action…

In a statement …, LRSU said many strikers, most of them women, have faced harassment and violent crackdowns by authorities, resulting in injuries, including a pregnant worker who it said suffered a miscarriage during a forced dispersal.

NagaWorld did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent to its general inquiries email.

LRSU President Sithar, a recipient of human rights awards from Western governments, called for the reinstatement of the union and severance pay for its members. The Labor Ministry no longer recognizes the union, saying Sithar is no longer an employee of NagaWorld, but it has mediated talks between the union and the company.

“These are the justices we want,” Sithar said. “The employer must respect trade union freedom and workers’ rights in the workplace by allowing unions in the company and resolving problems through honest negotiations. Our priority is not only compensation, but respect for labor rights and the law.”

The union has accused the Labor Ministry of failing to act as a neutral mediator, saying it has sided with the company by pressing for compensation rather than reinstatement, freezing union dues and refusing to recognize the union’s elected leadership…

… Khleang Soben, LRSU secretary, said the ministry’s proposal forced workers to accept cash compensation, ignoring the labor disputes and alleged union rights violations…