Labour leaders in Cambodia have expressed concern over a controversial labour union law that was passed on May 17. Unionists say the new legislation would give the government too much power over their activities and excludes portions of the workforce from labour law protections. They opine it has increased membership thresholds for registration which undermines workers' rights to form new unions and obstructs freedom to organize and mobilize garment workers.

The labor ministry stated in a statement asked unions and employee associations, which have already been registered, as well as those which submitted proposals for registration, to fulfill the conditions and properly implement every obligation as stated in the union law.

It added that the law aims "to ensure the protection of rights and legal interests of every citizen," as well as unions and employers.