Phnom Penh: On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of International Workers’ Day, May 1, under the theme “Together to Promote the Rights and Freedoms of Trade Unions for Decent Work” on May 2, 2026, the Cambodian Council of National Trade Unions (CCNU) organized a solidarity dinner to create a friendly atmosphere among the trade union federations, trade union federations, and members of the Cambodian Council of National Trade Unions, with the participation of Mr. Nguy Rith, Secretary of State, representing Mr. Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training.
Mr. Mom Seak, President of the 9th mandate of the Cambodian National Trade Union Council (CCNU), spoke about the latest work in the Cambodian National Trade Union Council (CCNU), which has 12 union federations and federations of union federations, covering 79 union federations, 5 associations, 1 community, and 85 board members. There are 9 women union federation presidents, 790 local unions, and a total of 335,839 workers (257,986 women) from the garment, footwear, bag, travel products, electrical appliances, and mango processing factories. The rubber plantation, education, services, restaurants and tourism sectors across all capitals/provinces in the Kingdom of Cambodia have 41 Most Representative Societies (MRS) with 16 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).
On behalf of the Cambodian Council of National Trade Unions (CCNU), he said that with the attention of H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, who is the chief of staff for the Royal Government, has transformed May 1, which used to be a day of demonstrations, strikes, and protests, into a day of joyous gatherings for workers and employees. This is all due to the wisdom and wisdom of the leadership.
The CCNU President thanked the Ministry of Labor for its support and pledged to continue strengthening internal solidarity and cooperating with all relevant parties to promote the interests of workers even stronger.
Speaking on this occasion Mr. Nguy Rith, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, praised the Cambodian National Trade Union Council under the leadership of Mr. Mom Seak as President, for making the union grow steadily, having good solidarity, coming together as one force, and regularly organizing important programs to promote the rights and interests of workers and employees across the country.
The Secretary of State added that the achievements of the Cambodian National Council of Trade Unions are a good example of building a responsible and conscious social dialogue between workers, employers and the Royal Government, which contributes to strengthening peace, social stability and national economic growth.
On behalf of the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training Mr. Nguy Rith said that the ministry has always considered unions as important partners. The ministry always resolves all problems encountered by unions in a timely manner in terms of labor rights for workers, employees, and employers in order to have “one enterprise, one peaceful community,” which is the main goal of the Royal Government in transforming and harmonizing professional relations.
Recalling the long history of International Workers’ Day, the theme for 2026 is “Building Resilience Together for Decent Work,” reflecting the Royal Government’s strong commitment to promoting sustainable labor market development by continuing to improve working conditions, guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of professional organizations, strengthening social protection systems, and promoting deeper social dialogue in all aspects.
