Cambodia’s Minister of Interior, Sar Kheng, is set to host a meeting with other government ministers in an effort to resolve the ongoing dispute between NagaWorld and a group of former employees.
According to a report by The Phnom Penh Post, Phnom Penh municipal deputy governor Keut Chhe has sent a letter to senior government officials to discuss possible solutions to the imbroglio, which has seen hundreds of former NagaWorld workers who were laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic protesting outside the integrated resort since December.
The protests have led to 11 protesters being arrested and placed in detention for incitement to commit a felony, while authorities have also expressed concerns over the spread of COVID with almost 100 protestors having tested positive in recent weeks.
Calls for a solution follow threats by the municipal administration to fine those who continue protesting between US$250 and US$1,250 for breaching health orders. The administration issued a statement on Monday pointing to “a handful of NagaWorld protesters and some outsiders who had incited them to come together again” and alleging that many have refused to be tested for COVID-19.
The protestors are demanding the reinstatement of 365 workers laid-off last year.
NagaWorld operator NagaCorp issued a statement in January claiming that 73% of workers affected had accepted a Mutual Separation Plan (MSP) and denying accusations that the exercise was used to reduce union representation.
It had previously described the layoffs as part of “proactive measures to manage the [COVID-19] situation” with the company looking to save up to US$2 million per month in run-rate operating costs.
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