Efforts to strengthen labour dispute prevention and resolution in Cambodia are gaining momentum following the presentation of new research that proposes reforms to improve industrial relations and dispute settlement mechanisms. The research was presented during a validation and consensus-building workshop held in Phnom Penh on 5 March 2026, bringing together government officials, representatives of employers and workers, and international partners. The workshop aimed to review the study’s findings, gather feedback from stakeholders, and build agreement on potential reforms to enhance labour dispute management in the country.
The initiative was supported by the ILO-Korea Partnership Programme in collaboration with the Korea Labour and Employment Service as part of broader efforts to strengthen social dialogue and labour dispute prevention in Cambodia. The research recommends improvements to legal and institutional frameworks, greater fairness and quality in conciliation and arbitration procedures, and stronger data systems to monitor and manage labour disputes more effectively.
One of the key proposals includes establishing a Labour Dispute Conciliation and Mediation Center or expanding the role of the existing Arbitration Council to handle both conciliation and arbitration processes. These pilot approaches are intended to improve access to dispute resolution mechanisms, increase efficiency, and build greater trust among workers, employers, and authorities. The research initiative represents the first attempt in Cambodia to use a comprehensive research-based approach to reform labour dispute management systems.
Government officials highlighted that Cambodia has made progress in improving dispute settlement rates in recent years through existing legal frameworks, including conciliation services provided by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and arbitration through the Arbitration Council. However, challenges remain, particularly in areas such as limited data systems and the need for more effective dispute prevention strategies. Authorities emphasized that preventing disputes before they arise is a key priority for strengthening labour relations and ensuring stable working environments.
The ILO-Korea Partnership Programme, funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea through its Ministry of Employment and Labour, provides technical assistance, capacity building, and policy advice across several countries in Asia and the Pacific. In Cambodia, the programme supports efforts to strengthen labour market institutions, promote social dialogue, and advance decent work principles through improved labour dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms.
