http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuP36gLFV38
Showing posts with label International Labor Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label International Labor Day. Show all posts
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Ven. Loun Sovath during the International Labor Day - 01 May 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNpmjE26llk
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Friday, May 02, 2008
Political parties jockey for votes on International Labor Day
Sam Rainsy meeting with workers (Photo: SRP)Friday, 02 May 2008
By Soun Sophalmony
The Mekong Times
Leading Cambodian political parties and labor unions celebrated the 122nd International Labor Day (ILD) on May 1 with arty leaders appealing to workers for their voting support so that they can either: continue leading, further develop the country, or improve the difficult living conditions workers are now facing.
Human Rights Party promises workers US$80 minimum wage
“If the Human Rights Party [HRP] rules the next government it promises to secure … better working conditions,” announced HRP President Kem Sokha in front of 300 workers at the HRP congress celebrating ILD. “An HRP government will also set the basic minimum salary at US$80 per month. The HRP promises it will prioritize decreasing petrol and goods prices. Today’s government doesn’t have the will to deal with the hike in goods prices and workers’ difficulties. The only choice is to change the government by voting for the HRP. I have ways to cut petrol prices by opening up competition in petrol imports, reducing import tax, and reducing the income of petrol sellers.”
At the HRP congress workers’ representatives pointed out that typical monthly living costs for workers stand at about US$60, not including water, electricity and other expenses. However, the basic workers’ salary is only US$50 per month. Workers also face problems with working conditions and the freedom to join trade unions.
HRP leaders promised to solve the workers’ problems, and said the HRP is committed to serving, protecting, and developing the Kingdom according to workers’ actual needs.
Sam Rainsy Party serves up rice noodles to workers
The Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) celebrated ILD with thousands of garment workers and union members at its headquarters in Phnom Penh yesterday afternoon by putting on a meal of rice-noodles and hosting a dance party. SRP leader Sam Rainsy vowed his party will always be there for Cambodian workers.
Sam Rainsy also commemorated late Free Trade Union leader and defender of workers’ rights Chea Vichea, who was assassinated Jan 22, 2004. The opposition party leader demanded the government seek justice for Chea Vichea, urged factory employers to respect workers’ rights and raise workers’ salaries from US$56 to US$75 in order to balance rising commodity prices.
“The price of prahok [fish-paste] has surged from 1,000 riel [around US$0.25] to 10,000 riel [around US$2.5] per kilo,” the opposition party leader noted. “As goods prices have soared around two-fold, workers’ salaries should be doubled so that workers can live properly.”
After appealing to workers not to accept their basic salary of US$56 and criticizing the ruling Cambodian People’s Party for frequently distributing gifts for the purpose of vote buying, the opposition leader tried to persuade workers to vote for the SRP and vowed his government would lower petrol prices from 5,100 riel (US$1.28) to 4,000 riel (just under US$1) and would raise workers’ salaries to 300,000 riel (around US$75).
There were around 5,000 attendants at the celebration, of which about 10 percent were moto-taxi drivers. After his speech, over 100 workers marched with garlands to pay respect to Chea Vichea.
Human Rights Party promises workers US$80 minimum wage
“If the Human Rights Party [HRP] rules the next government it promises to secure … better working conditions,” announced HRP President Kem Sokha in front of 300 workers at the HRP congress celebrating ILD. “An HRP government will also set the basic minimum salary at US$80 per month. The HRP promises it will prioritize decreasing petrol and goods prices. Today’s government doesn’t have the will to deal with the hike in goods prices and workers’ difficulties. The only choice is to change the government by voting for the HRP. I have ways to cut petrol prices by opening up competition in petrol imports, reducing import tax, and reducing the income of petrol sellers.”
At the HRP congress workers’ representatives pointed out that typical monthly living costs for workers stand at about US$60, not including water, electricity and other expenses. However, the basic workers’ salary is only US$50 per month. Workers also face problems with working conditions and the freedom to join trade unions.
HRP leaders promised to solve the workers’ problems, and said the HRP is committed to serving, protecting, and developing the Kingdom according to workers’ actual needs.
Sam Rainsy Party serves up rice noodles to workers
The Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) celebrated ILD with thousands of garment workers and union members at its headquarters in Phnom Penh yesterday afternoon by putting on a meal of rice-noodles and hosting a dance party. SRP leader Sam Rainsy vowed his party will always be there for Cambodian workers.
Sam Rainsy also commemorated late Free Trade Union leader and defender of workers’ rights Chea Vichea, who was assassinated Jan 22, 2004. The opposition party leader demanded the government seek justice for Chea Vichea, urged factory employers to respect workers’ rights and raise workers’ salaries from US$56 to US$75 in order to balance rising commodity prices.
“The price of prahok [fish-paste] has surged from 1,000 riel [around US$0.25] to 10,000 riel [around US$2.5] per kilo,” the opposition party leader noted. “As goods prices have soared around two-fold, workers’ salaries should be doubled so that workers can live properly.”
After appealing to workers not to accept their basic salary of US$56 and criticizing the ruling Cambodian People’s Party for frequently distributing gifts for the purpose of vote buying, the opposition leader tried to persuade workers to vote for the SRP and vowed his government would lower petrol prices from 5,100 riel (US$1.28) to 4,000 riel (just under US$1) and would raise workers’ salaries to 300,000 riel (around US$75).
There were around 5,000 attendants at the celebration, of which about 10 percent were moto-taxi drivers. After his speech, over 100 workers marched with garlands to pay respect to Chea Vichea.
May Day: The opposition party is making demands
Sam Rainsy addressing workers on Labor Day (Photo: SRP)May 01, 2008
By Leang Delux and Ky Soklim
Cambodge Soir Hebdo
Translated from French by Luc Sâr
For the past week, Prime minister Hun Sen repeated that he was welcoming the International Labor Day. At the same time, he also suggested to the workers and the owners to celebrate on 01 May.
- The opposition party placed the workers in the center of its demands.
- It asked the government to increase the minimum salary to $75 (per month).
- Sam Rainsy also spoke to the workers, advising them to vote “for a party that defends them, respect them, and support them.”
- Once again, he also asked that Chea Vichea be honored with the title of Workers Hero.
However, the prime minister was cautious. He does not want to see unrest. “Let’s try to avoid using this International Labor Day to undertake actions that could affect public order, or the security in the kingdom,” he wrote in an open letter published on 24 April.
The Free Trade Union of Workers in the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC) did not hold a march on 01 May. Instead, it organized a banquet for its members in Phnom Penh, where about 400 people were invited. Chea Mony, FTUWKC President, wanted to address 3 proposals to the government leaders during this Labor Day: “The government must include the $6 subsidy, given recently to the workers, to their (permanent) salary. Furthermore, it must quickly set up a labor tribunal.” Finally, he demanded the freedom for the two who were falsely accused of the murder of Chea Vichea, his brother and former FTUWKC President. On this topic, he also sent a letter to the king, dated 29 April, asking the latter to grant his brother the status of Workers Hero.
The SRP, which threatened to demonstrate on 01 May, delayed its action without announcing a new date. In a press release dated 30 April, the SRP demanded for the reduction in the price of gasoline. Furthermore, it wishes to see the setup of free medical service, and the setup of a labor tribunal, just like the FTUWKC does. “There will not be any lasting economic growth as long as the government does not have the will to uproot corruption, and as long as the workers are exploited,” the SRP wrote.
The opposition party placed the workers in the center of its demands. It asked the government to increase the minimum salary to $75 (per month). Sam Rainsy also spoke to the workers, advising them to vote “for a party that defends them, respect them, and support them.” Once again, he also asked that Chea Vichea be honored with the title of Workers Hero.
On its part, the Cambodian Confederation of Unions (CCU) reminded Hun Sen about the difficult living conditions faced by the poor. “They lack food because everything cost too much,” Rong Chhun, CCU President, said in a letter he sent to Hun Sen.
According to Rong Chhun, hunger threatens civil servants and workers. If the government does not act on this issue, social and politic order in the country will be threatened, he warned. Finally, he called for an improvement in the labor conditions for teachers and factory workers, and he also called for a respect of the labor law in the (garment) factories.
Sam Rainsy Party celebrated International Labor Day with more than 9,000 workers from Phnom Penh
Workers holding a sign reading: "With very high gasoline price, workers and civil servants cannot live"
Workers holding a sign reading: "Workers want half price for goods, no half less to eat"
May 1, 2008: Sam Rainsy Party celebrated International Labor Day where more than 9000 factory workers from around Phnom Penh gathered at the Party Headquarters (All photos: SRP)
Sam Rainsy exchanging a joke with workers
More than 9,000 workers join the International Labor Day celebration at the SRP party headquarter.Sam Rainsy leads a group of union leaders to pay respect for Chea Vichea at the actual place where he was assassinated on Labor Day
MP Sam Rainsy leads a group of union leaders to pay respect for Chea Vichea at the actual place where he was assassinated (All photos: SRP)
Heavy presence of anti-riot police forces blocking nearby streetsCambodian PM urges textile sector unity to fight competition
PHNOM PENH (AFP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday called on the country's textile workers and manufacturers to unite as the industry faces increased competition from China and Vietnam."If a factory cannot operate, both sides are lost, but the workers will suffer the most," Hun Sen said in an address to workers in the southwestern beach town of Sihanoukville.
"If there are no investors, there will be no workers and no chance to ask for increased wages because there are no factories," he said.
Hun Sen also urged factory owners "to have good cooperation with unions and workers as well as to take care the welfare of the workers."
The premier appealed to the workers and manufacturers to respect labour law and settle any disagreement peacefully because they were in "the same boat."
Hun Sen also urged factory owners to consider a "maximum increase of wages" for their workers.
Garment manufacturers earlier this month agreed to raise the basic monthly wage of 50 dollars by six dollars after workers threatened to strike as inflation soared.
No protests were reported in the capital Phnom Penh on Thursday as about 300 workers rallied to mark May Day and demand manufacturers respect workers' rights.
They also urged the government to form a "labour court" to deal with their complaints.
"We will demand until our lives end," said Chea Mony, head of Cambodia's largest workers' group, the Cambodian Free Trade Union.
"Our work conditions are not yet good. We are threatened and discriminated against by employers," he added.
The garment industry grew only 8.0 percent last year after suffering a dismal fourth quarter that saw orders plummet by nearly half, according to the World Bank. It previously enjoyed growth of up to 20 percent.
The sector -- the country's largest source of foreign exchange -- faces increased competition from China and Vietnam, with further risks looming due to an economic downturn in the US, Cambodia's biggest market for textiles.
The garment industry employs an estimated 350,000 people in some 300 factories.
But the end of US restrictions against Chinese textile exports in 2009 and greater productivity in Vietnam are likely to erode Cambodia's position, industry officials have warned.
Deteriorating labour relations are also weakening the sector.
Rong Chhun: "...if [Hun Sen] is unable to resolve this [inflation] issue, please rest [resign] and let a competent person resolve it"
Rong Chhun (L) and Chea Mony (R)By Chiep Mony, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh
01 May 2008
“If [Prime Minister Hun Sen] is unable to decrease inflation, [he] must increase salaries for workers and civil servants ... And if [he] is unable to resolve this issue, please rest [resign] and let a competent person resolve it” - Rong Chhun, President of the Cambodian Confederation of UnionsUnions of workers and teachers hammered the government Thursday for its inability to curb rising inflation that is having a serious affect on their livelihood.
Thursday was International Labor Day, and unions for both groups urged factory owners to respect labor laws as well.
“If [Prime Minister Hun Sen] is unable to decrease inflation, [he] must increase salaries for workers and civil servants,” said Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, speaking to a gathering of 300 workers and teachers. “And if [he] is unable to resolve this issue, please rest [resign] and let a competent person resolve it.”
Chhea Peng Chheang, secretary of state for the Ministry of Economy and Finance, said inflation was caused by many factors, such as the impact of international markets and an increase in the global price of oil.
“The government has enough ability to resolve the issue,” he said, adding that the government was trying to improve the living conditions of all Cambodians, including the workers.
Free Trade Union President Chea Mony said factory owners must also respect the labor law or face mass demonstrations in coming weeks.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
SRP: Standing Up For Our Workers, Together We Can Bring Change
Source: SRPSTATEMENT ON THE OCCASION OF THE 122ND
ANNIVERSARY OF INTERNATIONAL LABOR DAY
STANDING UP FOR OUR WORKERS
TOGETHER WE CAN BRING CHANGE
ANNIVERSARY OF INTERNATIONAL LABOR DAY
STANDING UP FOR OUR WORKERS
TOGETHER WE CAN BRING CHANGE
Cambodian workers are working harder than ever but eating less than before. Cambodian workers are saving harder than ever to support and bring their families out of poverty but their families are falling further behind in debt. Prices for everything, from gasoline to groceries are skyrocketing, health care is expensive and landlords continue to ruthlessly raise rental rates. It is these workers that have contributed to our growing but are direct victims of corruption and a poorly managed economy. It is insulting to reward the workers' hard efforts and sacrifice by a paltry and clearly insufficient raise of US$6 a month.
THIS IS WHY SRP IS STANDING UP WITH THE WORKERS AND THEIR UNIONS TO DEMAND THAT THEIR RIGHTS BE RESPECTED AND THAT THEY BE GIVEN A DECENT AND FAIR MONTHLY WAGE TO ENABLE THEM TO LIVE WITH DIGNITY. IN ADDITION WE DEMAND THAT THE GOVERNMENT ENSURE THAT EMPLOYERS MEET MINIMAL INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, SAFE AND FAIR WORKING CONDITIONS AND FREE HEALTH CARE FOR THE WORKERS THAT DRIVE CAMBODIA'S ECONOMY.
On this occasion of the 122nd anniversary of international Labor Day, SRP reiterates its stance on economic and social justice and demands the end to the exploitation of our workers and full protection of their rights and freedoms as enshrined in the constitution and the Labor Law.
Cambodian workers deserve better! Cambodian workers should not continue to struggle for what they have earned through their own hard work and initiatives. The government must understand that in an economy such as Cambodia where natural resources are badly managed it is these workers that drive our economy. It is the government that has failed the workers by not implementing appropriate policies to manage inflation levels and address the high cost of living.
SRP proposes the following solutions to address the pressing needs of our workers:
Thus we come together on this fortuitous day – Labour Day – and remind our workers that they have a voice to bring about change to the current crisis in their lives. On Election Day 27 July, 2008 that voice will be heard again and signal that change is needed and inevitably change must come.
General-secretariat
Sam Rainsy Party
April 30, 2008
THIS IS WHY SRP IS STANDING UP WITH THE WORKERS AND THEIR UNIONS TO DEMAND THAT THEIR RIGHTS BE RESPECTED AND THAT THEY BE GIVEN A DECENT AND FAIR MONTHLY WAGE TO ENABLE THEM TO LIVE WITH DIGNITY. IN ADDITION WE DEMAND THAT THE GOVERNMENT ENSURE THAT EMPLOYERS MEET MINIMAL INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, SAFE AND FAIR WORKING CONDITIONS AND FREE HEALTH CARE FOR THE WORKERS THAT DRIVE CAMBODIA'S ECONOMY.
On this occasion of the 122nd anniversary of international Labor Day, SRP reiterates its stance on economic and social justice and demands the end to the exploitation of our workers and full protection of their rights and freedoms as enshrined in the constitution and the Labor Law.
Cambodian workers deserve better! Cambodian workers should not continue to struggle for what they have earned through their own hard work and initiatives. The government must understand that in an economy such as Cambodia where natural resources are badly managed it is these workers that drive our economy. It is the government that has failed the workers by not implementing appropriate policies to manage inflation levels and address the high cost of living.
SRP proposes the following solutions to address the pressing needs of our workers:
- a new Labor Law that includes a minimum monthly wage of US$75;
- reduction of the price of gasoline by reducing the tax on the sale of gasoline;
- free health care;
- full protection of workers rights, including the right to strike and the end to the use of force by police;
- full implementation of the labor law;
- creation of a Labor Court.
Thus we come together on this fortuitous day – Labour Day – and remind our workers that they have a voice to bring about change to the current crisis in their lives. On Election Day 27 July, 2008 that voice will be heard again and signal that change is needed and inevitably change must come.
General-secretariat
Sam Rainsy Party
April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Commerce Minister appeals for Labor Day calm
Tuesday, 29 April 2008By Chun Sophal
The Mekong Times
Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh has appealed to garment workers nationwide to avoid large-scale demonstrations on this year’s May 1 International Labor Day, as they could affect the Kingdom’s garment exports.
“We hope that Cambodia will continue to register growing sustainable garment exports if workers stay calm and hold no strikes or demonstrations,” the commerce minister said during the official inauguration of a restaurant in Phnom Penh.
Pointing to expected growth in the garment sector by approximately 5 or 6 percent in 2008, the minister warned that “it may be difficult to further promote growth for Cambodia if we continue suffering demonstrations, which hinder garment orders. I hope illegal demonstrations organized by unions do not occur because this is not a good solution.”
Ath Thun, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Unions, an umbrella organization that counts over 50 garments unions as members, welcomed the commerce minister’s appeal but suggested the government should control “corrupt” officials who “stir-up” problems in garment factories.
“I support the call for calm for the sake of increasing garment exports from Cambodia,” Ath Thun said, stressing that his organization has no plans to hold any demonstrations or strikes but will organize a small conference to draw attention to the difficulties of workers.
“I think the government must make every effort to ensure that workers’ salaries allow [workers] to live properly if it wants to maintain sustainable growth in the garment sector in the future,” Ath Thun said.
Cambodia, currently the world’s 8th largest garment producer, has over 300,000 workers employed in the garment sector, with each receiving an average monthly salary of around US$56.
“If we can keep quiet, our factories can proceed well and workers will have rising salaries from that as well,” said Cham Prasidh. “I would like to stress that it is not simple for Cambodia to become the 8th [largest] garment supplier in the world.”
Opposition Sam Rainsy Party parliamentarian Son Chhay said that, while Cambodia should be proud of its position as 8th largest garment supplier, little is being done to ensure the decent living standards for workers.
“We are aware of the need for calm, which is attractive to investors, but to ensure this [calm] the government needs to urge workers’ rights be respected by solving their livelihood problems.”
“We hope that Cambodia will continue to register growing sustainable garment exports if workers stay calm and hold no strikes or demonstrations,” the commerce minister said during the official inauguration of a restaurant in Phnom Penh.
Pointing to expected growth in the garment sector by approximately 5 or 6 percent in 2008, the minister warned that “it may be difficult to further promote growth for Cambodia if we continue suffering demonstrations, which hinder garment orders. I hope illegal demonstrations organized by unions do not occur because this is not a good solution.”
Ath Thun, president of the Coalition of Cambodian Apparel Workers Democratic Unions, an umbrella organization that counts over 50 garments unions as members, welcomed the commerce minister’s appeal but suggested the government should control “corrupt” officials who “stir-up” problems in garment factories.
“I support the call for calm for the sake of increasing garment exports from Cambodia,” Ath Thun said, stressing that his organization has no plans to hold any demonstrations or strikes but will organize a small conference to draw attention to the difficulties of workers.
“I think the government must make every effort to ensure that workers’ salaries allow [workers] to live properly if it wants to maintain sustainable growth in the garment sector in the future,” Ath Thun said.
Cambodia, currently the world’s 8th largest garment producer, has over 300,000 workers employed in the garment sector, with each receiving an average monthly salary of around US$56.
“If we can keep quiet, our factories can proceed well and workers will have rising salaries from that as well,” said Cham Prasidh. “I would like to stress that it is not simple for Cambodia to become the 8th [largest] garment supplier in the world.”
Opposition Sam Rainsy Party parliamentarian Son Chhay said that, while Cambodia should be proud of its position as 8th largest garment supplier, little is being done to ensure the decent living standards for workers.
“We are aware of the need for calm, which is attractive to investors, but to ensure this [calm] the government needs to urge workers’ rights be respected by solving their livelihood problems.”
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