Labour rights activist (LRSU), Phnom Penh
The longest-running strike in Cambodian history has been underway in Phnom Penh since December 2021. It is headed by the women-led Labor Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU), and is in response to the mass layoff at the NagaWorld luxury casino complex in April 2021. The union’s President has been imprisoned since November 2022 and stood trial alongside eight other LRSU members and supporters charged with incitement. Chhim Sokhorn, a member of LRSU, was one of the nine women involved.
Although initially overwhelmed by her responsibilities, Sokhorn was heartened by the sense of community within LRSU. “I was seen as being actively involved with the union, so they chose me as a candidate. I had no intention to stand at first,” says Sokhorn. The April 2021 layoffs saw 1,329 people dismissed from their jobs. Around 1,100 (82%) of these people were involved with LRSU, including all its leaders and a significant number of its members.
My actions are not just for myself, but for all workers everywhere.
Sokhorn was first harassed by authorities during a different LRSU strike in 2013. She and other unionists had been surrounded and physically dragged by authorities to the Phnom Penh Police Commissariat, where they were briefly detained. Between January to March 2022, she was again detained for over two months for her involvement with the ongoing LRSU strike: “I was put into a cell with more than 100 other people. We had to sleep like smoked fish [head to foot]. There was no privacy for the toilet, and not enough food or water. It was very difficult.”
Sokhorn is quick to add that she is not the only one who has suffered at the hands of the authorities while striking: “One of my colleagues suffered a miscarriage. Some have been beaten by authorities, suffering injuries to their faces and mouths. Others have been sexually harassed and groped, and verbally abused.” Sokhorn says that misogynistic verbal abuse from authorities is common, and she does not disguise the pain that this persecution has caused her. “It is unacceptable,” she says. “Sometimes, it’s very hard to cope because we are in an increasingly difficult situation. We have to endure many pressures, including financial pressure. We have seen our members suffering.”
Chhim Sokhorn speaks from LICADHO's Phnom Penh office.
Sokhorn is shocked that defending workers’ rights has landed her in front of the criminal court. She emphasises how LRSU always takes care to comply with law and procedure when conducting its activities. Sokhorn also points out that it is easier for a well-resourced company to navigate the courts than it is for a union like LRSU. “We are fighting against a giant,” Sokhorn says.
After this interview was conducted, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted nine LRSU activists of incitement for their peaceful labour rights activism, including Chhim Sokhorn, on 25 May 2023. Sokhorn was sentenced to one year and six months’ imprisonment, and will remain under judicial supervision until all appeal routes are exhausted and her sentence begins. The court gave no reasons for its decision.
With a single comment, Sokhorn succinctly summarises the discrepancy in power, resources, and political influence between LRSU and NagaWorld: “It is about money.”
When asked what inspires her to continue despite these attacks on her activism, Sokhorn’s reply is unwavering: “I don’t want to see injustice. If I stop now, the injustice will stay with me for life.” She is motivated by the prospect of being a role model and having a positive impact on others: “My actions are not just for myself, but for all workers everywhere.”
Sokhorn encourages potential activists in Cambodia – particularly those who might feel reluctant to speak up – to mobilise the courage to engage, as she herself has gradually done. “Don’t be silent when facing injustice.” She highlights the importance of experience, and says that a formal education is not necessary to become an effective advocate. However, Sokhorn acknowledges that activism is difficult to do alone, and knows that a sense of community can be essential. “It is mentally exhausting,” she says. “I am lucky, because I have the support of my family.”
Sokhorn protesting in front of the National Assembly on International Labour Day 2023.
Sokhorn’s message to the Cambodian government is clear: “We want to see our government provide support and grant a fair solution.” As to her message for companies such as NagaWorld: “My message to all employers is this: this is what happens. Stop violations against your workers. Offer them justice.”
More on labour rights: In November 2022, LICADHO marked the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence by celebrating all women who are standing up for labour rights and fighting to end gender-based violence at work. In “Women United for Labour Rights in Cambodia”, LICADHO shares the stories and recommendations of six activists fighting as leaders and members of trade unions, associations and federations.