Rising union leader behind Caltex station closures
In his fight for workers’ rights, Sar Mora has learned to be stubborn. The union leader behind the closure of Caltex gas stations across Phnom Penh, Mr. Mora’s members remained on strike Sunday despite an apparent agreement on Friday for workers to return to their stations. “We only agreed in principle,” Mr. Mora said Sunday, explaining he wants a written agreement before his members head back to work. “We have not heard anything.” About 300 Caltex workers, backed by the Cambodian Food and Service Workers Federation (CFSWF), have been on strike since last Monday, demanding a monthly wage increase from $110 to $160. … Mr. Mora’s union previously took on another major brewery, Cambodia Brewery Ltd. (CBL), when he negotiated a $40 wage hike for its beer promoters, who had been making $60. The key to effective organizing in the commercial sector, Mr. Mora said, is to target companies that are partly owned by international brands—not just by powerful Cambodian businessmen. …
Alex Consiglio and Mech Dara
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/rising-union-leader-behind-caltex-station-closures-58995/
