Workers protest over factory bankruptcy rumors

Around a hundred workers gathered and paraded to Kampot Provincial Police station early Friday morning demanding the release of their representatives​ who were arrested for protesting at Ming Da Footwear Industrial Co.

KAMPOT (The Cambodia Herald) -- Around a hundred workers gathered and paraded to Kampot Provincial Police station early Friday morning demanding the release of their representatives.

The march was made after seven of their union representatives were arrested and questioned regarding a protest at the Australian-owned Ming Da Footwear Industrial Co.

Two of the workers were said to have been injured by police and military officers who grouped together to block the protestors.

However, the authorities said they didn’t use any electronic devices to calm the workers.

Besides demanding the release of their union representatives, they also wanted compensation for their time at the factory after hearing it was facing bankruptcy.

However, the authorities rejected the notion and said the factory was still going strong.

Sim Vuthea, deputy administrative director of Kampot City Hall, said, it's a sad thing because a few group of workers became confused and abused the good nature of the authorities.

He added that the representatives of the factory promised to pay the workers and will not shut down the factory.