Australian unions have called on the Cambodian Government to release the detained leaders of the Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU). The 3000-strong LRSU has been on strike in front of the NagaWorld Casino in Phnom Penh since 18 December to oppose the unilateral retrenchment of 1329 workers. Twenty-nine unionists have been arrested, with 8 remaining in detention, including the union chair Chhim Sithar. Hundreds of LRSU members continue the strike, despite severe police harassment and intimidation.
The ACTU has joined unions around the world in condemning the arrests and calling on the Cambodian Government to release the LRSU leaders and members, and ensure unions have the right to exercise their right to freedom of association and the right to organise without fear of intimidation, harassment, arrest or prosecution.