The workers are demanding a doubling of salaries, from the current 80 to 160. So far they have been offered 15 dollars extra, as of April 2014. Anti-government protesters in solidarity with the workers. Opposition Leader: We stand with workers.

Phnom Penh ( AsiaNews / Agencies) - At least seven people were injured and others seven arrested in the clashes that took place this morning in Phnom Penh between police and workers in the textile industry, who are protesting on the streets of the Cambodian capital for better working conditions and higher minimum wages. Local witnesses reported that the police attacked the workers with batons and sticks. An amateur video shows protesters who , in response , hurl rocks and stones in the direction of police. The workers also joined opposition protesters close, who have been protesting for weeks against the results of the July election, won by Prime Minister Hun Sen , 28 years in power.

Dissatisfied with the increases in minimum wages obtained so far , thousands of workers in the textile industry took to the streets yestserday , joining the supporters of the main opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party ( CNRP ) chaired by Sam Rainsy . The protesters are calling for the resignation of the prime minister and a new election .

In solidarity with the protesters Rainsy says he is ready to support their demands . "I am aware of the difficulties faced by the workers - told AFP - and have helped them for 20 years. Now I am ready to help them again". "That is the difference with Hun Sen, who is sticking with factories owners."

Previously tens of thousands of workers , led by the country's two main unions, blocked the access roads to the Ministry of Labour. They promised more demonstrations and strikes, if their demands are not met . Unions , workers and opposition are pushing for a doubling of the minimum wage from the current 80 to 160 a month. However, so far they have managed to achieve an increase of 15 dollars per month from April 2014.

Fearing further violence, the Textile Association has urged companies to stop production while unions and the government have announced a series of meetings scheduled in the late afternoon, in an attempt to stem the protest. The strikes threaten to cripple the manufacturing industry of the country, one of the most vital and thriving in Cambodia with 650 thousand employees and a multi- billion dollar turnover, linked to the production of garments for major Western brands.

• cambodia
• textile
• workers
• strike
• minimum
• wage
• opposition