Union Leader Left Behind Bars: Intransigence in Cambodia
Date: 2024-05-07 Author: Alex Crawford Categories: CASINO, EVENTS
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought tough times for casino workers in Cambodia, sparking protests over layoffs and perceived unfair treatment of staff. However, neither mass demonstrations nor legal appeals could help the union leader, who was found guilty and left behind bars.
Court Decision and Conviction of the Leader
Cambodia's Supreme Court has shown no leniency towards labor leader Chhim Sitar, who led protests against the country's largest casino, NagaWorld. Sitar, who was found guilty of incitement to commit crimes, remains behind bars while continuing to serve a two-year sentence scheduled to begin in May 2023.
Protests and Layoffs
Sitar was a figure at the center of the protests that began in December 2021 against mass layoffs at NagaWorld in the capital Phnom Penh. Her arrest in January 2022 came after her refusal to stop protests led to charges of incitement.
Reaction to Layoffs
NagaWorld Casino has laid off more than 370 employees due to financial difficulties caused by the pandemic and declining tourism. Outrage among laid-off workers continues to mount, but not everyone has received support for their struggles.
Conclusion and Concerns
Although Sitar remains behind bars, her fate raises questions about the fairness and independence of the justice system in Cambodia. NagaWorld, which owns the casino, faces allegations of wrongful termination and anti-union practices.
The court's decision in the Sithar case highlights the risks of doing business in Cambodia, especially in an area where business interests conflict with workers' rights. Such situations call into question the democratic processes and principles of the rule of law in the country.
