Radio competition for garment workers on Cambodian Labour Law is scheduled to begin this Saturday 28 July.

450 workers from 36 garment factories submitted their applications. After screening and interviewing 48 shortlied workers, 18 of which have been chosen to join the next round of the competition via live radio broadcast. The programme will be broadcast live via radio Mohanokor FM 93.5 every Saturday (from 28 July to 29 September) from 2-3pm and rebroadcast on Sunday at the same time. 

Having worked in the garment sector for 10 years, Ms. Nuon Phally, one of the 18 candidates, is incredibly excited that she could participate in the competition.

“This is the first time that I can participate in this kind of competition. I am not sure I can make it to the finale, but I will try my best. Regardless of the result, I am still happy because this is something I am passionate about. Most Importantly, I can show off the experience and knowledge I have and also I can share it with other workers through the radio broadcast.”

Mr. Sok Savoeun, another worker, said that this was also the first time he could join the competition. Savoeun has worked in the industry for two years.

“At this point in the competition, every worker is knowledgeable; however, I will strive to win. I think this programme is dynamic because it helps disseminate the essential content of the Cambodian Labour Law to workers and this is an effective means to ensure more people are educated about the issues.”  

The jury panel includes representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, Arbitration Council, and Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia, who will keep score.

At the finale, to be held on 29 September, only the top three finalists will be awarded. The champion will get a LCD television and $200. The second winner receives a sewing machine and $150, while the third winner is awarded a hand phone and $100. The three of them will also obtain a certificate of recognition and a framed photo.

This is the third time that ILO-Better Factories Cambodia has organized this contest. It is aimed not only to recruit the three workers capable of Cambodian Labour Law, but also to raise awareness of the essential concepts of the Law to wide audiences, and especially garment workers.