Tuesday was International Labor Day, a day off for many workers around the world.
But while garment workers from across Phnom Penh marched in the hot sun for a shorter workweek, the 7,000 employees of Tack Fat Garment Cambodia Ltd celebrated.
They attended a lavish, all-day party thrown by company management, complete with free food, dancing, a beauty contest and a drawing for prizes, including televisions and radios.
“This is the first time our factory has thrown a party for workers on May Day,” said Chea Soeun, company director. Previously, he said, the company threw parties on New Year’s Day.
The festivities, which included two Cambodian bands, were held at the company’s factory on Route 2 in Chak Angre Leu commune, Meanchey district.
Chea Soeun said 78 female employees, who were each paid $5, entered the beauty contest. The winner was Kong Bopriek, 21; Kay Dany, 18, placed second, and Chea Dara, 18, finished third.
Chea Soeun said the party was thrown to “encourage” Tack Fat workers. He didn’t say if it was timed to conflict with the planned May Day demonstrations.
