Cambodia: EI condemns violence against striking garment workers
EI has strongly condemned the continued disproportionate violence perpetrated by Cambodian authorities against striking garment workers. Five workers have been killed, dozens injured and at least 39 arrested. The strike has been halted but demands for an increased minimum wage are maintained.
The trade union movement internationally and in Cambodia have joined to condemn the authorities’ behaviour and support workers and their unions.
Against this tense background, one of EI’s national affiliates, the Cambodia Independent Teachers’ Association (CITA), was threatened with deregistration if it maintained the strike for higher wages for the poorest teachers. CITA’s leader, Rong Chhung, is also heading the national trade union confederation (CCU) spearheading the garment workers’ strike.
The teachers’ strike, which was to start on 6 January, has been adjourned, given the violent social climate. In addition, Chhung has been summoned to appear in court on 14 January for his part in the garment workers’ strike.
Deadly confrontation in the textile sector
Most wages in Cambodia are far below a living wage and insufficient to satisfy basic needs. These wage levels are also incompatible with Article 104 of the Cambodian Labour Code, which guarantees the payment of a wage that “must ensure every worker of a decent standard of living compatible with human dignity”.
Workers in the textile sector decided to withhold their labour on 24 December to seek a higher minimum wage. Instead of negotiating, the Government decided to resort to violence and intimidation. Heavily armed policemen and soldiers have opened fire on strikers.
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has urged the Cambodian authorities to exercise utmost restraint and comply with international human rights obligations. The right to peaceful assembly must be protected and promoted by the authorities, stated the OHCHR spokesperson.
EI has written to the national authorities asking that freedom of association and of assembly be respected and collective bargaining implemented, in the private and public sector, so that decent work and social justice can become a reality in Cambodia.
