Cambodia’s Supreme Court has recently upheld the two-year prison sentence of labor union leader Chhim Sithar, who led a strike against NagaWorld casino. She was convicted in May 2023 of incitement to commit a felony related to the strike that began in December 2021 due to layoffs and alleged union-busting at NagaWorld. Despite protests from supporters urging for her release on appeal, the court also upheld the convictions and sentences of eight of her fellow union members, with some receiving 1 1/2 years in prison and others receiving suspended sentences of one year each. Chhim Sithar may be released later this year due to time already served.
NagaWorld, the country’s largest casino, had fired 373 employees in late 2021 amid financial struggles caused by the pandemic. Some of the dismissed workers have continued to protest, demanding the reinstatement of Chhim Sithar and their jobs back. In December 2022, over 200 workers accepted compensation under labor law and dropped their demands. The protests and strikes at NagaWorld have drawn attention due to the high-profile nature of the casino in the capital, Phnom Penh, resulting in police intervention at times.
The NagaWorld casino is owned by a company controlled by the family of Malaysian billionaire Chen Lip Keong. Established in 1994, the property has grown into a large integrated hotel-casino entertainment complex. Labor union actions in Cambodia have traditionally taken place in factories in outlying areas or industrial estates in other provinces, making the strike at NagaWorld particularly notable. The U.S. Department of State recognized Chhim Sithar in February last year, awarding her with the Human Rights Defender Award for her efforts in advocating for the rights of Cambodian workers.
Chhim Sithar’s supporters gathered outside the Supreme Court during the hearing, displaying banners calling for her release. The court’s decision to uphold her sentence reflects the ongoing challenges faced by labor union leaders in Cambodia. With Chhim Sithar potentially set to be released later this year, the case has highlighted issues surrounding labor rights and advocacy in the country. Despite the adversity faced by Chhim Sithar and her colleagues, their efforts have brought attention to the need for greater protections and support for workers in Cambodia.
The NagaWorld strike and subsequent legal proceedings have underscored the complexities of labor relations in Cambodia, particularly within the context of major industries such as the casino sector. The involvement of international organizations, such as the U.S. Department of State, in recognizing the work of labor advocates like Chhim Sithar demonstrates the global significance of labor rights issues. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the struggle for labor rights in Cambodia remains a contentious and challenging endeavor, with the outcomes of cases like Chhim Sithar’s serving as a barometer for the state of workers’ rights in the country.
