The long-running labor dispute at NagaWorld in Phnom Penh is continuing, with union members maintaining calls for worker reinstatement and negotiations with casino operator NagaCorp.
The dispute dates to 2021, when NagaWorld laid off more than 1,300 employees as part of a restructuring program linked to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of the Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld, or LRSU, have disputed the company's reasoning and argued that the layoffs weakened the independent union. Some affected employees have since accepted severance packages or found other employment.
Around 50 union members resumed demonstrations in July. Workers continue to seek reinstatement, recognition of the union and the withdrawal of criminal charges connected to the protests.
Several union members were also summoned by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in July over allegations of aggravated intentional property damage stemming from demonstrations that began in 2021.
LRSU leader Chhim Sithar has been a central figure in the dispute. She was arrested in early 2022 on charges including incitement and detained for around three months before being released on bail.
Chhim was arrested again in November 2022 after returning from Australia, with authorities alleging that she had violated bail conditions by leaving Cambodia. She remained imprisoned until late 2024.
The dispute has also drawn attention to labor rights and freedom of association in Cambodia. Chhim maintains that the case has implications beyond NagaWorld, particularly for workers seeking to organize and collectively bargain.
Despite demonstrations becoming less frequent, union members continue to rally outside the casino. NagaWorld has not recently issued public comments on the dispute, while workers continue to press for a resolution.
NagaWorld is operated by Hong Kong-listed NagaCorp
