Cambodian casino operator NagaCorp, operator of the NagaWorld integrated resort in Phnom Penh, has announced plans to reduce its work force by about 1,300 people. That’s sparked protests from union leader Chhim Sithar, who told Reuters the gaming giant opted to pay staff a fraction of the severance pay they’re owed by basing the severance on salary cuts imposed during 2020.
“Workers risked their safety to make profits for NagaWorld during the pandemic and then when they need help, they are abandoned,” said Sithar. “We are asking for support and they have responded with the idea of mass layoffs. It’s extremely disappointing.”
According to Asia Gaming Brief, news of the layoffs came despite the company still managing to record a net profit during 2020, driven by a strong recovery in the second half led by the premium mass sector.
During the first quarter of 2021, NagaCorp said its mass market business was also on the upswing, returning to about 99 percent of its Q1 2020 levels before the pandemic took hold.
The casino closed again in early March after several staff tested positive for Covid-19.
