Prime Minister Hun Sen described his series of meetings with garment factory workers as being based on love and trust and as a sign of the attention he pays to them and their wellbeing. He added that it was also a way for him to thank them for their trust in his leadership.
In one of the most recent get-togethers, he met with nearly 20,000 garment workers from seven factories in Samrong Tong and Kong Pisei districts of Kampong Speu province on June 17.
He apologised for being unable to meet with them in 2020, 2021 and 2022, owing to the necessary restrictions on gathering that were imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, since he had been able to reopen the country, he was able to speak to them without fear.
He added that he felt it was important to speak with the workers, so he could hear about any challenges they might be facing, and come up with solutions to them. He also wanted to hear about their successes and it gave him a chance to thank them for their support of the ruling party over the past few years.
“I recall that before I met with them in 2017, pregnant workers were entitled to three months maternity leave and paid 50 per cent of their salaries. After I spoke with the workers, this was changed to 100 per cent of their salaries,” he said.
Free Trade Union president Toch Ser told The Post on June 18 that she believed the regular meetings were an excellent way for the prime minister to build a connection with the workers and increase his closeness with them.
Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Ith Samheng said on June 17 that from 2017 to 2019, Hun Sen had met with about one million garment workers on 77 different occasions.
He added that since May 22 this year, Hun Sen had met with over 230,000 garment workers on 13 occasions. More meetings are scheduled for both before and after the July 23 national election.
