Phnom Penh: More than 3,000 Cambodian workers and unions gathered at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Center to celebrate the 140th anniversary of International Workers’ Day on May 1, 2026, a demonstration of labor harmony.
Mr. Kim Chansamnang, President of the National Confederation of Trade Unions of Cambodia (NACC), stated that the organization of the celebration of International Labor Day on May 1 aims to commemorate and praise the courage and efforts of workers who have actively participated in promoting national economic growth and enabling them to achieve better living conditions, decent work, and stable employment.
He added that not only that, this gathering is important for workers to strengthen the bond of friendship between unions and workers, especially showing that workers have fully implemented their freedoms in the labor system, which is the concern of the Royal Government.
He said, “Workers have an important role in boosting the economy and improving living standards through decent work and a harmonious work environment, while the Royal Government has paid attention to effectively implementing freedoms and labor laws in line with the direction of an enterprise. A peaceful community.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hang Ravy, President of the Cambodian Workers’ Rights Union, said that celebrating International Labor Day shows that Cambodia is a country that is progressing in the industrial, textile, and labor sectors, which makes workers and employees across the country Feeling happy.
He said, “This May Day program, on behalf of the union, we want to show that workers in the Kingdom of Cambodia are very happy because the Royal Government of Cambodia, led by Samdech Maha Boa Preah Hun Sen, always thinks about the welfare of workers, especially increasing wages every year and other benefits.”
Mr. Un Dara, President of the Cambodian Workers’ Union, sees that this anniversary cannot be held without peace. At the same time, the gathering also showed that the rights of workers in Cambodia have improved, and the program also helps increase awareness and social dialogue to resolve labor disputes peacefully and without the use of violence.
He said, “The celebration of May 1 also shows that Cambodia is developing in the labor sector according to international standards and has a good direction for all sectors in Cambodia.”
Ms. Yang Sophon, President of the Cambodian Confederation of Trade Unions (CATU), said that the gathering of workers and unions on this occasion shows harmony in the labor sector and practical implementation through the combination of parties involved in workers from all different sectors to promote the rights of Seeking solutions and benefits for workers.
She said, “The International Workers’ Day celebration is an important day where workers have the opportunity to express their concerns, needs, and solutions that the government and relevant ministries can help resolve in a timely manner.”
As of the first quarter of 2026, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training has registered 6,520 professional organizations, including 43 union confederations, 285 union federations, 6,059 local unions, and 13 employers’ associations.
