Cambodia is facing further pressure to adjust its labour laws after a number of groups representing major US and European international brands and retailers wrote an open letter to the country’s premier urging action to improve worker and labour rights.
Addressed to Prime Minister Hun Sen, the letter from groups including the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), calls for amendments to the Trade Union Law and for a strengthening of dispute resolution body the Arbitration Council.
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Also signed by UK advocacy group Ethical Trading Initiative and Fair Labor Association, the letter specifically asks for revocation of the draft law on labour dispute adjudication procedures, and a revision of Article 16 of the draft law on minimum wage to allow for independent research on minimum wage and to open it up for further tripartite discussion.
They also call for minority unions to be able to represent members in collective labour disputes through the removal of Article 54 of the new Trade Union Law, and for the organisation of national workshops to review and adjust the union registration procedure to make it more transparent and effective.
“Restrictions on minimum wage discussions and lack of freedom of association will make Cambodia an unattractive and expensive place to do business because of increased reputational risks for brands sourcing from Cambodia, regular social unrest at workplaces and potential trade tariffs,” the groups explain.
The letter also addresses the harassment of labour activists like Moeun Tola and Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers’ Democratic union president Ath Thorn, both of whom are facing criminal charges, and calls for an end to this.
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By GlobalDataThe groups acknowledged Cambodia’s position as one of the leading suppliers of garments, and one of the fastest-growing suppliers of footwear and travel goods to the world, but have called for a meeting with the premier to discuss the concerns outlined in the letter.
“We remain concerned that lack of action to quickly resolve these issues, which are critical to our members as well as to Cambodian people, could jeopardise this tremendous success story. As such, we look forward to working with your government towards resolving these issues so that Cambodia’s industry, and your country, continues to grow and prosper well into the future.”
Earlier this month the European Union (EU) fired a warning shot over Cambodia’s bows over concerns about declining democratic and human rights, and the country’s rule of law.
In a note sent to just-style, the Delegation of the European Union to Cambodia noted a statement from the EU Council of Ministers on 26 February ordering that monitoring of these problems be stepped up.
EU ups pressure on Cambodia over rights abuses
