PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training has told the owners or directors of factories to allow all their workers to take paid leave on the occasion of the upcoming Khmer New Year.

The Ministry has confirmed that all workers will receive paid leave from 14-16 April 2022. However, in the case of factories that require regular operation and cannot be stopped actively, it has been decided that the workers will be given holiday in turns and are entitled to a bonus equal to the normal working day's wage, if they work during the Khmer New Year. The Ministry requires all owners or directors of factories to prepare a list of workers taking time off, for inspection by a Ministry of Labor Inspector.

The Ministry states, "In the event of an agreement between the concerned workers and employers, or as stated in the bylaws of the factory, enterprise or collective agreement, workers' leave may be applied at any time other than during public holidays as defined by announcement No. 277/21 above.”

Khmer New Year will be celebrated on the 14th, 15th and 16th of April, during the second week of the month. Many Cambodians use this holiday for family reunions and trips to places of interest. At the same time, the Ministry of Labor also reminded the owners or directors of factories, enterprises and workers, to continue to participate in the implementation of "3 Do’s and 3 Don’t’s” and other necessary health measures to consistently protect against the spread of Covid-19.