In the sprawling oil palm plantations of Sihanoukville province, Sarom Me, the Vice President of the Workers Union at Mong Reththy Investment Cambodia Oil Palm, representing Cambodia Labour Confederation (CLC), stands as a vocal advocate for her fellow workers. Her mission is to ensure that every employee has access to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and its benefits.

Sarom is well aware of the risks that come with working amidst the towering palm trees. “Falling branches and coconuts, snake bites, bee stings, and even forest fires,” she listed, as she stood under the plantation’s shade. These dangers underscore the importance of social protection, which provides workers with access to free medical care in the event of work-related accidents or illnesses.

Sarom noted that at her company some workers hold NSSF cards, granting them free hospital care in case of a work-related accident and health issue, while others remain without them, leaving them vulnerable to significant medical costs. 

Without the card, workers often face medical bills as high as 460,000 riels ($115), she added. Although the company sends injured workers to the hospital and covers medical services, delays in reimbursement add to the workers’ challenges. “For those who don’t have a NSSF card, work accidents can be more problematic, especially financially. NSSF is a shield and protection for us and offers many benefits.” Sarom said.

One of the biggest challenges faced by workers is that often they don’t receive their NSSF cards, despite monthly NSSF deductions from their wages. Additionally, they also have to wait a long time after submitting registration requests to their employer. “Workers do request the cards, but only those who requested them first receive them. There is a long wait time for everyone else,” she adds. She estimates that only about 70% of workers have received their cards so far.

To address these challenges, Sarom joined the FIRST project, implemented by CLC and Oxfam with the financial support from the European Union  where she underwent training on the importance of social protection. Equipped with this knowledge, she now shares her knowledge with fellow union members about their rights and how to access benefits.

“Other social protection programs have not yet been accessed because not all workers have received their NSSF cards,” Sarom said. She advocates with her company to speed up the process of obtaining NSSF cards for workers. This would ensure they receive the benefits and avoid high costs in case of a work accident.

Sarom is also focused on improving workers’ financial well-being. She plans to request a wage increase from $5 to $5.50 per day, a modest yet impactful raise to help workers manage their living expenses.

In the future, Sarom envisions a community where everyone has equal access to additional social protection programs, such as ID Poor cards and risk allowances working for those in hazardous jobs. “These programs would benefit workers, especially those in high-risk situations,” she said, adding that increased wages will help workers cover their expenses.