Over 2,000 Workers Strike at Bag Factory, Protest Against Korean Manager

PHNOM PENH – More than 2,000 workers at the "JS Leader Collection Phnom Penh Co., Ltd." (Factory No. 2), a bag manufacturing facility located in Prey Tey village, Chom Chao III commune, Por Sen Chey district, Phnom Penh, staged a strike on the morning of August 3, 2026. The workers gathered in front of the factory to protest and demand the removal of a Korean manager. According to the workers, the manager in question frequently used inappropriate and abusive language, which they found unacceptable. In addition to this primary grievance, they also raised demands for improvements in certain working conditions. Police reported that the protest was peaceful, with no violence occurring. The workers requested assistance from officials at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, as well as local authorities and relevant institutions, to resolve the dispute. The factory currently hosts four labor unions. The manager who became the focus of the workers' discontent is identified as WANG EUMLEE. Following the news of the strike, officials from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the Phnom Penh Department of Labour and Vocational Training, and local authorities visited the site to mediate between the workers and factory representatives. Following negotiations, the following points were agreed upon: 1. Manager WANG EUMLEE pledged to improve his inappropriate speech and behavior and to refrain from actions that negatively affect employees. He agreed to resign if he failed to make these changes. 2. The company agreed to relocate a plastic cutting machine that was causing harmful odors affecting workers' health back to its original position within two weeks, by August 16, 2026. The Department of Occupational Health will conduct an inspection. 3. The company agreed not to discriminate against labor unions, staff representatives, or worker representatives. Work assignments will be organized in accordance with the Labour Law, employment contracts, and the company's internal regulations. 4. POE VIRAK (an electrician) agreed to return to his duties as normal. If he fails to perform his duties, the company will take action in accordance with internal regulations and the Labour Law. 5. The employees promised to diligently perform their duties, respect internal regulations, and abide by the Labour Law. They agreed to end the dispute and to resolve any future issues through peaceful discussion at the enterprise level, without disrupting the production line. 6. Both the employer and employees guaranteed adherence to the Labour Law and relevant legal documents. Any party violating the law or the agreement would be held legally responsible. The workers agreed to return to work as usual on August 4, 2026, and to refrain from any retaliatory actions. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer