Global Union Bodies Demand Justice for Cambodian Workers by International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) 12:45pm 15th Jan, 2014   13 January 2014    An international trade union mission to Cambodia has today called for the government to act immediately to investigate the killing of four garment workers during strikes on 3 January, release all 23 detained unionists, and set a minimum wage on which workers and their families can at least meet their basic needs.    The mission has expressed particular concern over the fate of union president Vorn Pao, who was severely beaten and remains in jail despite his poor physical condition.    In a statement issued by the ITUC, its regional body ITUC-AP and the regional office of Global Union Federation IndustriALL, the mission demanded the establishment of a credible, independent inquiry to investigate the killings and for those responsible to be held accountable. This demand was put to Cambodia’s Labour Minister today.    The delegation also informed him that the plan announced to set up a government-controlled inquiry is seen as insufficient, given that government such committees have produced few results in the past.    Calls for urgent action to raise the minimum wage and a government pledge to fully respect ILO Convention 87 on Freedom of Association, which Cambodia has ratified, were also put to the Minister. A government proposal to set up a new Commission on wages, headed by the Finance Minister, was described as inadequate. No meeting of that Commission has been scheduled yet, and further delay in establishing a decent minimum wage is likely to lead to further industrial action as workers seek justice.    Threats by the garment employers body GMAC to take legal action to effectively bankrupt unions were also denounced by the delegation.    Cambodia’s garment industry, with an annual turnover of US$5.1bn, can afford to pay more than the monthly minimum wage of US$ 100 according to the statement, which points to IndustriALL research that a minimum of US$260 is needed to cover basic expenses of a family of four.    6 January 2014    The ITUC , Global Union Federation IndustriALL and UNI Global Union have expressed horror at the violent repression of garment worker strikes by security forces and government-backed vigilantes.    Workers had been demonstrating peacefully demanding an increase in the minimum wage. At least four workers were killed and 39 injured during a crackdown by security forces on Friday. Trade unionists and labour rights supporters have been targeted for attack as workers demanded a minimum wage above the government offer of US$100 per month, which is woefully insufficient to meet the rising cost of living. Over 23 have been arrested, their whereabouts unknown, and summonses have been issued for several union leaders.    “Cambodia’s government must return to the negotiating table and agree to a fair wage for garment workers and cease the dictatorial repression of legitimate strike action by workers. It should immediately release all those detained, and ensure that those responsible for the killings and violence are brought to justice,” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.    Jyrki Raina, General Secretary of IndustriALL, said “The right to strike for a higher minimum wage is solidly protected by the international right to freedom of association, enshrined in ILO Convention 87 – which Cambodia ratified in 1999. The threats, arrests, and the killing of trade unionists for the exercise of that right is an extremely grave violation and must be condemned. Any encouragement of that violence by garment manufacturers must end.”    UNI Global Union’s General Secretary Philip Jennings said, “In Bangladesh we’ve witnessed how the race to the bottom in the garment sector has led to death and destruction. The Cambodian garment workers are also in jeopardy. This current wave of protests is the legitimate reaction of those workers who deserve a fair wage and decent conditions and must not be silenced by violence.“ Jennings added, “The global brands with connections to these Cambodian factories have a responsibility to raise standards. We’ve seen with the Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Accord that a sea-change is possible.”    Cambodian unions are seeking a minimum monthly wage of up to US$ 160. Factory owners have responded by offering “no-strike” bonuses and wage adjustments well below the level needed for workers to make ends meet. Employers in the garment sector, a US$5bn annual export industry which increased production by over 20% last year, have been resisting attempts to improve and enforce labour laws and to publicly expose companies which breach the law. Indeed, the Garment Manufacturers’ Association of Cambodia (GMAC) has played an insidious role, threatening to move production if labour unrest was not quashed and even recently praised the government for the lethal use of force against the protestors.    * The ITUC defends trade unionists whenever their fundamental human rights are violated as a result of their trade union activities. It also takes action against other labour rights violations, and other violations of human rights especially where these affect working people.    29.11.2013    Living wage conference calls for action. (IndustriALL)    Freedom of association and collective bargaining are prerequisites for a living wage. Building the commitment of governments, business, trade unions and other civil society organisations to work jointly towards living wages in international supply chains was discussed at a European Conference on Living Wages in November.    The conference, took place in Berlin from 25-26 November. It brought together representatives from trade unions, multistakeholder initiatives, NGOs, governments and, crucially, brands and retailers that source from countries where wages fall far below a living wage.    A large contingent from Bangladesh included representatives of the IndustriALL Bangladesh Council, the garment employers’ organization BGMEA and government. Their focus was on the responsibility of brands sourcing from Bangladesh to ensure fair pricing to enable factories to pay a living wage.    The discussions emphasized the need for collective action. In particular, brands need to work together to use their purchasing practices to ensure that living wages are paid in those factories from which they jointly source. Many participants referred to the Bangladesh Accord, signed by IndustriALL Global Union, UNI and more than 100 global brands, as an example of what is possible and a model for living wage initiatives.    There was a clear understanding that without freedom of association and collective bargaining, a living wage will not be achieved or maintained. Workers must be able to negotiate for wages that reflect their contribution to the creation of value. Governments, businesses and unions all have a role in ensuring that they have that right.    The conference also considered the role of governments in ensuring that minimum wages are living wages. Obon Tabroni, Vice President of IndustriALL affiliate FSPMI, addressed the conference and explained how the Indonesian unions were able to mobilise 2 million workers to fight for an increase in the minimum wage.    An action plan was presented to the conference, setting out the responsibilities of governments, business, MSIs, trade unions and other civil society organisations to take steps towards a living wage. The action plan puts a strong focus on the need to ensure freedom of association and collective bargaining, including through capacity building for employers in supply chains on what this means. It also emphasizes the need for buyers to team up with other buyers to create leverage towards governments in production countries and towards their own suppliers.    Jenny Holdcroft, policy director at IndustriaALL:    The value of this conference will be if it increases momentum towards living wages. We want to see greater political commitment by governments to using their influence towards increasing minimum wages in producing countries, but also to insisting that Multinational Corporations based in their countries guarantee that all workers in their supply chains are paid a living wage. Visit the related web page
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