The Arbitration Council: A Unique Institution for Labour Dispute Resolution in Cambodia

The Council was established with broad powers under the Labour Law and related Prakas to provide labour dispute resolution services in Cambodia, free of charge. Through its tenure, it has gained the trust of the industrial relations community for its proven integrity and ability to resolve labour disputes. The Council promotes economic growth to reduce poverty in one of the poorest nations in the world, while upholding principles of fairness and justice. It deals directly with conflicts that could otherwise result in prolonged strikes, income loss, and even the potential to erupt into violence. The Council resolves disputes expediently, transparently, and based on the law and international standards. Its work promotes a healthy climate for investment, economic growth, industrial relations, and decent work to further social development. The Arbitration Council provides direct assistance to workers and employers to solve their disputes. Arbitrators use mediation and arbitration to help parties resolve their disputes, maintain harmonious workplace relations, and ensure safe and productive working conditions. The Council's rulings contain facts, reasons, and decisions, serving as educational materials for disputant parties, researchers, and the general public interested in labour law in Cambodia. The Awards are studied in various universities around the country. The Council has adopted a code of professional conduct to regulate its own standards, ensuring independence, transparency, predictability, responsiveness, integrity, equity, and stakeholder participation. The Council relies primarily on the support of international donors and continues to engage its diverse community of industrial relations stakeholders whose support is essential to the Council's continued success. The Council has been making efforts to overcome two major challenges: institutional and financial sustainability, to ensure sustainable labour dispute resolution services. The Arbitration Council functions independently of any outside interference, with legal reasoning and basis for the Council's decisions clearly explained in published awards, which are available in print and online. Arbitrators adhere to guidelines to maintain consistent legal decision-making. Case hearings are held and decisions issued within 15 working days. The Council resolves labour disputes in a process that is balanced, reasoned, thorough, and efficient, providing everyday Cambodians a forum where they can access justice.