Unions of workers and teachers hammered the government Thursday for its inability to curb rising inflation that is having a serious affect on their livelihood.

Thursday was International Labor Day, and unions for both groups urged factory owners to respect labor laws as well.

“If [Prime Minister Hun Sen] is unable to decrease inflation, [he] must increase salaries for workers and civil servants,” said Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, speaking to a gathering of 300 workers and teachers. “And if [he] is unable to resolve this issue, please rest [resign] and let a competent person resolve it.”

Chhea Peng Chheang, secretary of state for the Ministry of Economy and Finance, said inflation was caused by many factors, such as the impact of international markets and an increase in the global price of oil.

“The government has enough ability to resolve the issue,” he said, adding that the government was trying to improve the living conditions of all Cambodians, including the workers.

Free Trade Union President Chea Mony said factory owners must also respect the labor law or face mass demonstrations in coming weeks.