Following the sudden closure of Y&W Garment Co, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has announced the availability of more than 2,547 job positions for the affected employees. This announcement comes as a relief for the workforce left in uncertainty after the factory’s unexpected shutdown.
The National Employment Agency (NEA), under the ministry’s umbrella, disclosed in a recent statement that these job opportunities have been publicized, awaiting applications from the displaced workers. The aim is to facilitate the reemployment of these individuals in positions that are conveniently located near their residences, ensuring minimal disruption to their lives.
The closure of the Y&W Garment factory unfolded after its owner, Chinese national Yuen Po Faito, abruptly left the country in February, failing to compensate the 4,849 workers with their final wages and entitlements. This incident has prompted the Ministry to take action in accordance with labor and bankruptcy legislation to address the resulting dispute and the workers’ grievances.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court has taken steps to secure the assets of Y&W Garment as part of the resolution process. The Ministry has expressed its disapproval of employers who abandon their responsibilities and leave their workforce without financial support.
In the interim, as efforts are underway to resolve the issue of unpaid salaries and benefits, the Ministry is encouraging the affected workers to reach out to the NEA. This initiative aims to connect them with alternative employment opportunities in other factories, ensuring they are not left without a source of income.
Kata Orn, a spokesperson for the Ministry, emphasized their commitment to resolving the situation and assisting the displaced workers in finding new employment. He highlighted that nearly 3,000 job openings are currently available in the vicinity across various companies, factories, and enterprises in need of labor.
The Ministry is actively pursuing the legal procedures to liquidate the seized assets of Y&W Garment. The proceeds from this liquidation will be allocated towards settling the outstanding wages and benefits owed to the workers. Orn appealed to the workers for patience during this process and encouraged them to consider the new job opportunities being offered.
