Cambodia: Better protection for palm oil workers

Change begins

In 2025, workers gained access to an improved package of welfare and protection measures. This included, amongst other things, improved healthcare, personal protective equipment (PPE), job security and access to social security benefits through the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

For many workers, this meant access for the first time to basic provisions that strengthen their health, safety and livelihood security.

A major breakthrough followed in October 2025, when the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MoLVT) appointed the Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC) as a member of the National Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). This gave workers a stronger voice in national policy on occupational safety.

How the change came about

The positive impact was the result of a series of strategic actions:

1. Carrying out OSH risk assessments on the plantation, with evidence shared with the MoLVT, the ILO and employers – followed by specific calls for action.
2. Participation in tripartite social dialogues, national events and regional forums to advocate for the establishment of the national OSH committee.
3. Active involvement in meetings and consultations, both tripartite and bipartite, to shape the national OSH programme.
4. Organisation of forums on occupational safety at national, regional and local levels with workers, trade unions and employers.
5. Awareness-raising sessions on OSH, the NSSF and labour rights for workers, trade union leaders and employers to link the importance of safety to productivity and growth.
6. Technical support for trade unions in drafting effective formal petitions to employers regarding safety measures.