NagaCorp, the biggest casino operator in Cambodia, is once again facing difficulties associated with its workforce after it halted coronavirus suspension payments to staff members at its Phnom Penh-based flagship property.
A group representing casino workers has called for the Cambodian government to include them in an economic-stimulus program, at a time when entertainment venues across the country are still closed as part of the authorities’ efforts to tackle the further spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The program already contributes to staff members in other sectors of the country’s economy. According to media reports, workers that have been affected by coronavirus lockdown measures receive payments of $40 on a monthly basis.
As local media outlets have revealed, the union representing the interests of the NagaWorld casino complex’ employees submitted its petition to the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, asking the authorities for financial help to deal with the negative consequences of the Covid-19 shutdown.
All casinos in Cambodia were forced to temporarily cease operations following an order of the local authorities that came into effect on April 1st. The shutdown took place as part of the measures unveiled by the Government to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection across the country. As several casino companies that operate in Cambodia have confirmed, the closure of gambling venues has not been lifted yet.
Similar Petition of Workers in Other Entertainment Venues Was Rejected
At the time when the casino closure order was issued, Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia, explained that owners of casino venues in the country should find a solution for their employees while their businesses would be inoperable. At first, NagaCorp decided to pay most of its staff 50% of their salaries but those payments were ceased earlier in June.
About $100 million have been allotted by the Cambodian Government to the above-mentioned social-support program aimed at helping employees of businesses and factories that have closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as workers in the informal economy sector. However, entertainment industry staff members, including casino workers, have not been included in the program so far.
Now, the president of the union representing the interests of NagaWorld casino employees, Chhim Sithar, has shared her hope that the country’s Government would take the group’s petition into consideration, as the largest casino resort in Cambodia has not been allowed to restart operations.
A local media hub also reported that individuals employed in other types of entertainment venues have already filed a similar petition but it was rejected earlier this week. At the time it turned down the request, the Cambodian Government shared that it was unable to extend the coverage of the program because it had already finalized the relevant budget for the project.
