Cambodia 's nine opposition-aligned trade unions warned on February 12 that they will lead a large-scale strike in eight days from March 12 if their demands are not met.

The unions have demanded the court has to free 21 detained protesters and the government has to raise minimum wages for garment workers to 160 USD.

Pav Sina, President of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers, said the leaders of the unions met on the same day and approved a protest schedule, adding that the unions will print 100,000 copies of a leaflet announcing the strike date and stating their demands.

Earlier, the Appeal Court refused to grant bail to the 21 protesters who were detained following violent clashes during garment workers' protests for higher salaries early last month that left four people dead.

The government has imposed a temporary ban on demonstrations since then.

Meanwhile, Spokesman of the National Military Police Kheng Tito said if the protest is allowed by local authorities, security forces will have duties to protect the participants.

However, if the protest is outlawed and causes violence or social disorder, security forces will take measures to maintain social security and public order, he added.

Many protests had been held by the country's main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) since the general election in July last year.

The poll results showed that Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling party won 68 parliamentary seats and Sam Rainsy's CNRP got the remaining 55 seats.

Claiming serious irregularities, the opposition refused to accept the outcome, boycotted parliament and held protests, demanding the resignation of Hun Sen and a re-election.-VNA