Kampuchea Garment Workers Hold Talks On Labor 27

Cambodia Ready-made clothes Before the industry, there was a nationwide strike in September 13th. Nearly 75000 workers took part in the strike, demanding a rise in basic wages. According to the understanding of two trade unions in Cambodia, the Kampuchea Labor Union (CLC) and the Kampuchea National Labor Union (CNC) have called for a minimum wage increase, adjusted from the current US $61 to US $93.

The strike lasted for 4 days, during which the employers and employees shared their own views. Workers in a Cambodian garment factory in the Jiahua Industrial Park said workers on strike are increasing every day, with 40 homes in the area. Ready-made clothes Factories, nearly 80% factories have been suspended due to staff strikes, and indicate that strikers are fighting in a peaceful manner and will not resort to violence. Kampuchea's clothing manufacturers association (GMAC) is accusing the strike leaders of using "intimidation" to obstruct workers from entering factories, such as threatening workers with loud speakers to prevent them from entering the factory because of their worries. GMAC believes that the strike action has worsened, requiring the relevant authorities of Cambodia to take action.

The Ministry of labour and vocational training of Cambodia issued a statement on September 15th, saying that the salary adjustment was finalized and announced before the adjustment of salary in 7 this year. It is a pity for CLC and CNC to raise the minimum wage again. The Ministry appealed to both sides to think comprehensively about the reasonable and correct interests of the labour force and urged workers to resume their normal work. And said that the relevant departments of the Cambodian government will take measures to restore labor safety and calm to work.

According to foreign reports, the Cambodian authorities have rejected the Union's request for public meetings and strikes, while the trade unions are concerned about the safety of 75 thousand workers who are on strike. The trade unions say that the laws of Cambodia, like international human rights law, give workers the right to strike and collective agreements. They appeal to the Cambodian government, the management and international brands to respect the relevant laws and pay the wages of Cambodian workers enough for their living.

The strike ended in September 16th when the Cambodian government intervened and promised to arrange talks between the labor force and the garment manufacturers association. The Cambodian government has arranged talks between employers and employees in September 27th. In July this year, Kampuchea was struck by the same wage problem. Although the government has agreed to increase the basic wage, the labour force is still not satisfied.