Sorya Transportation, a bus company based in Phnom Penh, fired 17 employees for trying to form a bus drivers’ union at the company in April 2014.
More than 60 people went on strike following the sackings, demanding reinstatements, a salary rise and several other points. Most drivers later returned to work, leaving only those who had been terminated to continue protesting.
The vice president of the bus driver union, Yem Kuyba, filed a lawsuit with Phnom Penh Municipal Court in April, which was forwarded to the Arbitration Council.
On 4 July 2014, the Arbitration Council ruled that the bus company must rehire 15 workers and pay benefits according to the law to the other two.
Sorya Transportation general manager Chan Sophanna said he would only rehire the workers if the council helped him pay their salaries.
“If I accept them back, who will help me to pay their salary? If [the Arbitration Council] helps me pay their salary, then I will agree with them,” Sophanna said. “I do business to make a profit, not lose money, so if they try to force me to accept this, I will appeal to a higher court.”