PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training reported on Thursday that 147 out of 373 former employees of NagaWorld, equivalent to 40%, have decided to accept the settlement with the mediation of the Ministry, who continues to request a stop to the protests and a turn to further mediation.

In a press release issued on Thursday, 10 March, the Ministry of Labor said that from 18-27 December 2021, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training invited the disputed parties to explore the possibility of further mediation in accordance with the Labor Law seven times. At the time, the Ministry said the side of the NagaWorld workers continued to maintain their demand for NagaWorld Ltd. to take back the 373 protesting workers, and then discuss other demands.

However, according to the Ministry's settlement as of Wednesday, 9 March, 147 out of 373 former employees have accepted legal compensation, making the total number of remaining former employees still rejecting the compensation and seeking further retribution from NagaWorld, 226 people.

Based on the procedures enforced by the law in order to resolve the dispute peacefully, to protect the interests of both workers and employers and to contribute to the preservation of public interest, the Ministry has called on all former employees of NagaWorld, who took part in the strikes to stop making mistakes that affect their legitimate interests.

The Ministry has also stated that it will continue to cooperate with relevant institutions to address all concerns of the protesters, as well as consider the legal rights of investors.

In April 2021, NagaWorld announced plans to lay off 1,329 employees, including the 373 employees who refused to accept compensation and went on strike on 18 December 2021, despite the Cambodian courts deeming such protests to be illegal.