The NagaWorld protests again turned violent as workers tried to move police barricades blocking them from getting to the casino complex, with one worker left with a bloody nose after the tussle.
Major tourism and food workers’ unions said they supported a proposal to strike in August to show solidarity with Phnom Penh casino NagaWorld’s fired workers, who have been protesting since December.
Representatives from 10 unions and labor groups encouraged NagaWorld casino protesters during a rally in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, as a union federation leader said her members — largely in the garment sector — could join the strike if there was still no solution after two weeks.
NagaWorld protesters have entered a brief hiatus on protests until renewed labor negotiations this week, as social activists filed a petition with two ministries calling for an end to authorities’ violence against strikers.
Four of five union negotiators returned to a meeting with NagaCorp and the Labor Ministry on Wednesday afternoon — all but union leader Chhim Sithar.
NagaWorld union representatives said they will not attend the third negotiation meeting to resolve their dispute on Wednesday because the casino corporation refuses to discuss reinstatement of workers.
The final three NagaWorld unionists imprisoned at Phnom Penh’s PJ Prison have been released and returned home Thursday afternoon, according to rights group Licadho.
Striking NagaWorld casino workers are “welcome” to return to their jobs without repercussions until Wednesday — after which they will be terminated for serious misconduct, NagaCorp said in a letter to protesters.
NagaWorld strikers said two more workers with Covid-19 recovered on Monday, leaving nine in treatment as protesters temporarily put their street rallies on hold.
Security authorities continued detaining NagaWorld strikers today as they attempted to return, with officials again citing Covid-19 measures.
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