http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNpmjE26llk
Showing posts with label May Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label May Day. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Cambodia: ITUC Expresses Concerns for Trade Union Rights
Tuesday, 1 May 2012, 10:19 am
Press Release: ITUC
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
Press Release: ITUC
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
Brussels, 30 April 2012 (CSI Online): For years, trade unions and the workers they represent in the garment sector have been subject to numerous serious violations of their rights. Excessive hours of work and poor working conditions have led to several episodes of mass fainting. Collective bargaining agreements are being breached, and employers are refusing to negotiate with certain independent unions. Workers are fired for anti-union motives and are not reinstated, despite binding arbitration awards in their favour. The industry has shifted to using short, fixed duration contracts in an effort to create employment instability and undermine the exercise of fundamental rights. This year, workers have also been the victims of violence, including a shooting outside of a garment factory earlier this year; the perpetrator has been charged on a minor offense yet still remains free.
As May Day approaches, Cambodian unions are mobilising to demand respect on the job. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) fully supports Cambodian trade unions in their efforts to overcome these many challenges.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
May 01, 2011: SRP MPs and garment workers demonstrate in front of National Assembly
May 01, 2011: 125th Anniversary Labor Day - SRP MPs and garment workers demonstrated in front of National Assembly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_24d9QGz23Q&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_24d9QGz23Q&feature=player_embedded
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
No Chea Vichea Film in May Day Protest
Local authorities forcibly removing the screenHeng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Monday, 03 May 2010
Am Sam Ath, a rights investigator for Licadho, said the banning of the film in Cambodia demonstrated poor freedom of expression.
A May Day demonstration ended Saturday evening in a snarl of traffic and curious onlookers, as government authorities banned a film about slain unionist Chea Vichea from being shown.
Organizers had hoped to show the US film, “Who Killed Chea Vichea?,” which explores the 2004 murder and its subsequent investigation, but authorities said in the days leading to the demonstration they would not allow it.
Instead, protesters held up a small white screen attached to poles at the corner of Sihanouk Boulevard and Street 57, near the news kiosk outside Wat Langka pagoda where Chea Vichea was shot on the morning of Jan. 22, 2004.
Police allowed the screen to go up, briefly, before seizing it, as traffic clogged the intersection and curious bystanders watched.
Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, which organized the demonstration, said the banning of the film implicated the authorities in the murder. He had wanted to show the film in public to question the motive behind the killing and potential government involvement, he said.
Government officials have said they will not investigate the murder further until two suspects, Born Samnang and Sok Samoeun, are officially cleared by the courts.
Both men, who spent five years in prison on murder charges, are on provisional release, pending further hearings, following a Supreme Court decision last year. They are widely considered innocent.
Chor Kimchhorn, deputy governor of Chamkarmon district, said the screening was unlawful and had created a traffic problem. City officials had earlier said the film was unlicensed in the country and could not be shown in public.
The film, directed by American Bradley Cox, is currently touring festivals and is scheduled for wider release in the US later this year.
Am Sam Ath, a rights investigator for Licadho, said the banning of the film in Cambodia demonstrated poor freedom of expression.
The government should allow the film, he said, to show who the real killers of Chea Vichea were.
The small film demonstration followed a larger march on Saturday, where hundreds of workers and teachers demanded better salaries and working conditions.
A May Day demonstration ended Saturday evening in a snarl of traffic and curious onlookers, as government authorities banned a film about slain unionist Chea Vichea from being shown.
Organizers had hoped to show the US film, “Who Killed Chea Vichea?,” which explores the 2004 murder and its subsequent investigation, but authorities said in the days leading to the demonstration they would not allow it.
Instead, protesters held up a small white screen attached to poles at the corner of Sihanouk Boulevard and Street 57, near the news kiosk outside Wat Langka pagoda where Chea Vichea was shot on the morning of Jan. 22, 2004.
Police allowed the screen to go up, briefly, before seizing it, as traffic clogged the intersection and curious bystanders watched.
Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, which organized the demonstration, said the banning of the film implicated the authorities in the murder. He had wanted to show the film in public to question the motive behind the killing and potential government involvement, he said.
Government officials have said they will not investigate the murder further until two suspects, Born Samnang and Sok Samoeun, are officially cleared by the courts.
Both men, who spent five years in prison on murder charges, are on provisional release, pending further hearings, following a Supreme Court decision last year. They are widely considered innocent.
Chor Kimchhorn, deputy governor of Chamkarmon district, said the screening was unlawful and had created a traffic problem. City officials had earlier said the film was unlicensed in the country and could not be shown in public.
The film, directed by American Bradley Cox, is currently touring festivals and is scheduled for wider release in the US later this year.
Am Sam Ath, a rights investigator for Licadho, said the banning of the film in Cambodia demonstrated poor freedom of expression.
The government should allow the film, he said, to show who the real killers of Chea Vichea were.
The small film demonstration followed a larger march on Saturday, where hundreds of workers and teachers demanded better salaries and working conditions.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Cambodian workers mark international labour day
Sat, May 01, 2010
AFP
AFP
PHNOM PENH - Thousands of Cambodian workers marked international labour day Saturday by marching through the capital to demand better work conditions and the establishment of a labour court.
The marchers, mostly textile workers carrying banners, made their way from a park to the national assembly, where they handed a petition to 10 opposition party lawmakers.
"We want the government to establish a labour court to resolve workers' conflicts with employers," said Chea Mony, head of the country's most prominent workers' group, the Cambodian Free Trade Union.
"The workers need better protection of their rights so that they're free from exploitation."
Toun Touch, 35, who works at a garment factory outside Phnom Penh, told AFP she wanted the government to raise her monthly wage from 50 dollars to 93 dollars.
The workers later marched to the news stand where Chea Vichea, who headed the country's largest labour union and was a vocal critic of Prime Minister Hun Sen's government, was gunned down in January 2004.
The daylight murder was condemned by rights groups as a brutal attempt to silence opposition-linked unions and two men jailed over the killing were later released. A retrial has not yet been scheduled.
Garment exports, the impoverished country's largest source of foreign exchange, have dropped sharply amid the global economic downturn, causing tens of thousands of workers to lose their jobs this year.
The marchers, mostly textile workers carrying banners, made their way from a park to the national assembly, where they handed a petition to 10 opposition party lawmakers.
"We want the government to establish a labour court to resolve workers' conflicts with employers," said Chea Mony, head of the country's most prominent workers' group, the Cambodian Free Trade Union.
"The workers need better protection of their rights so that they're free from exploitation."
Toun Touch, 35, who works at a garment factory outside Phnom Penh, told AFP she wanted the government to raise her monthly wage from 50 dollars to 93 dollars.
The workers later marched to the news stand where Chea Vichea, who headed the country's largest labour union and was a vocal critic of Prime Minister Hun Sen's government, was gunned down in January 2004.
The daylight murder was condemned by rights groups as a brutal attempt to silence opposition-linked unions and two men jailed over the killing were later released. A retrial has not yet been scheduled.
Garment exports, the impoverished country's largest source of foreign exchange, have dropped sharply amid the global economic downturn, causing tens of thousands of workers to lose their jobs this year.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
May Day march in Phnom Penh
Cambodian garment factory workers hold banners while attending May Day celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodiangarment factory workers walk on the streets in Phnom Penh to mark May Day celebrations, asking the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian garment factory workers march in front of National Assembly to mark May Day celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodian garment factory workers walk on the street in Phnom Penh to mark May Day celebrations, asking the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian opposition party law-maker Mu Sochua together with garment factory workers march during their May Day rally in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday,May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodian garment factory workers took part in the May Day celebrations, demanding the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian garment factory workers walk past the National Assembly during their May Day rally in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds ofCambodian garment factory workers took part in the May Day celebrations, demanding the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian garment factory workers walk past National Assembly during their May Day rally in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodiangarment factory workers took part in the May Day celebrations, demanding the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian garment factory workers hold banners during their May Day rally in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodian garmentfactory workers took part in the May Day celebrations, demanding the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian police attempt to block a road as teachers and garment workers march to mark Labour Day on the streets in Phnom Penh May 1, 2010 . About a thousand garment workers rallied in Phnom Penh on Saturday to commemorate Labour Day, while demanding for their pay to be increased to a minimum of $75 (315,298 Riels) per month, according to protest organizers. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold placards as they march on the streets to mark Labour Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2010. About a thousand garment workers rallied in Phnom Penh on Saturday to commemorate Labour Day, while demanding for their pay to be increased to a minimum of $75 (315,298 Riels) per month, according to protest organizers. The placard reads, "Reducing gasoline prices will reduce poverty". REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian police attempt to block a road as teachers and garment workers march on the streets to mark Labour Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2010 . About a thousand garment workers rallied in Phnom Penh on Saturday to commemorate Labour Day, while demanding for their pay to be increased to a minimum of $75 (315,298 Riels) per month, according to protest organizers. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian police attempt to block a road as teachers and garment workers march on the streets to mark Labour Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2010 . About a thousand garment workers rallied in Phnom Penh on Saturday to commemorate Labour Day, while demanding for their pay to be increased to a minimum of $75 (315,298 Riels) per month, according to protest organizers. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
A woman holds a placard during a rally by teachers and garment workers to mark Labour Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2010. Garment workers and teachers rallied in Phnom Penh on Saturday to commemorate Labour Day and demand pay increase, according to protest organizers. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold a placard as they march on the streets to mark Labour Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2010. About a thousand garment workers rallied in Phnom Penh on Saturday to commemorate Labour Day, while demanding for their pay to be increased to a minimum of $75 (315,298 Riels) per month, according to protest organizers. REUTERS/Chor SokuntheaFriday, April 30, 2010
Chea Vichea film to be shown
Friday, 30 April 2010
Meas Sokchea and James O’toole
The Phnom Penh Post
Organisers say they will ignore government orders to first secure permission.
CAMBODIAN Confederation of Unions (CCU) President Rong Chhun says he will hold an outdoor screening of a controversial documentary about slain labour leader Chea Vichea on Saturday’s Labour Day holiday, despite not having received permission from government officials to do so.
Rong Chhun met at City Hall on Thursday for one hour with Koeut Chhe, the Phnom Penh Municipality’s deputy chief of cabinet, who told him that he could not show the film without first securing permission from the “relevant” government ministries such as the Ministry of Interior. The CCU president’s decision to flout the official’s orders could set up a confrontation, though it was unclear on Thursday how the government would respond to Rong Chhun’s decision.
“This country has laws, so if [Rong Chhun] is showing the film publicly, he must ask permission,” Koeut Chhe said following the meeting. “If he violates the law, that’s his business, but he must be responsible for his violations of the law.”
Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said Thursday that because organisers are planning to show the film outdoors, jurisdiction over their activities falls to City Hall and the Ministry of Interior. Under the Kingdom’s new Demonstration Law, passed last year, government authorities may “take actions to cease” any unauthorised demonstrations or public gatherings.
Ministry of Interior spokesman Khieu Sopheak on Thursday called the film an “illegal import”. When asked how the government would respond to an unauthorised screening, he said to “wait and see on Saturday”.
Minister of Culture Him Chhem also claimed jurisdiction, saying that his ministry would have to grant permission before a public film screening could go ahead.
“Our Ministry has no problem with the screening. It is [Rong Chhun’s] right, but he must do it legally,” Him Chhem said.
Rong Chhun said Thursday that he planned to go ahead with the screening regardless of the government’s response, claiming he did not have enough time to secure permission from officials at the ministerial level.
“We have already seen politicians murdered, artists murdered, as well as an important union president murdered, and so far the authorities have not found the killers and their backers to be punished,” Rong Chhun said. “At 5:30pm on [Saturday], we are going to do everything according to the plan we submitted to the municipality – we will not withdraw.”
The CCU plans to screen the documentary near Chamkarmon district’s Wat Lanka, where Chea Mony was gunned down in 2004. The film, directed by American Bradley Cox, is currently touring film festivals and is scheduled for wider release in the US later this year.
Drawing from interviews with police, government officials and other public figures, including Chea Vichea himself, Cox’s film offers a portrayal of thuggish law enforcement and a kleptocratic ruling elite under Prime Minister Hun Sen. Although it does not make direct accusations, the film implies that Chea Vichea was killed because of his ties to the opposition, and that the two men convicted of the murder were framed.
Moeun Chhean Narridh, director of the Cambodia Institute for Media Studies, said Rong Chhun should attempt to get government authorisation “for extra precaution”, but should ultimately not be bound by attempts to constrain his freedom of expression.
“It does not cost anything just to ask permission, but if the Ministry of Culture or any other authorities do not give him permission, he should just go ahead and show the film anyway,” Moeun Chhean Narridh said.
Chea Mony, who has replaced his brother as president of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, accused municipal officials of attempting to delay the screening and prevent the public from seeing the film.
“It is a pretext,” Chea Mony said. “If the authorities do not allow the screening, it means that they are afraid of learning more about Chea Vichea’s killing.”
CAMBODIAN Confederation of Unions (CCU) President Rong Chhun says he will hold an outdoor screening of a controversial documentary about slain labour leader Chea Vichea on Saturday’s Labour Day holiday, despite not having received permission from government officials to do so.
Rong Chhun met at City Hall on Thursday for one hour with Koeut Chhe, the Phnom Penh Municipality’s deputy chief of cabinet, who told him that he could not show the film without first securing permission from the “relevant” government ministries such as the Ministry of Interior. The CCU president’s decision to flout the official’s orders could set up a confrontation, though it was unclear on Thursday how the government would respond to Rong Chhun’s decision.
“This country has laws, so if [Rong Chhun] is showing the film publicly, he must ask permission,” Koeut Chhe said following the meeting. “If he violates the law, that’s his business, but he must be responsible for his violations of the law.”
Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said Thursday that because organisers are planning to show the film outdoors, jurisdiction over their activities falls to City Hall and the Ministry of Interior. Under the Kingdom’s new Demonstration Law, passed last year, government authorities may “take actions to cease” any unauthorised demonstrations or public gatherings.
Ministry of Interior spokesman Khieu Sopheak on Thursday called the film an “illegal import”. When asked how the government would respond to an unauthorised screening, he said to “wait and see on Saturday”.
Minister of Culture Him Chhem also claimed jurisdiction, saying that his ministry would have to grant permission before a public film screening could go ahead.
“Our Ministry has no problem with the screening. It is [Rong Chhun’s] right, but he must do it legally,” Him Chhem said.
Rong Chhun said Thursday that he planned to go ahead with the screening regardless of the government’s response, claiming he did not have enough time to secure permission from officials at the ministerial level.
“We have already seen politicians murdered, artists murdered, as well as an important union president murdered, and so far the authorities have not found the killers and their backers to be punished,” Rong Chhun said. “At 5:30pm on [Saturday], we are going to do everything according to the plan we submitted to the municipality – we will not withdraw.”
The CCU plans to screen the documentary near Chamkarmon district’s Wat Lanka, where Chea Mony was gunned down in 2004. The film, directed by American Bradley Cox, is currently touring film festivals and is scheduled for wider release in the US later this year.
Drawing from interviews with police, government officials and other public figures, including Chea Vichea himself, Cox’s film offers a portrayal of thuggish law enforcement and a kleptocratic ruling elite under Prime Minister Hun Sen. Although it does not make direct accusations, the film implies that Chea Vichea was killed because of his ties to the opposition, and that the two men convicted of the murder were framed.
Moeun Chhean Narridh, director of the Cambodia Institute for Media Studies, said Rong Chhun should attempt to get government authorisation “for extra precaution”, but should ultimately not be bound by attempts to constrain his freedom of expression.
“It does not cost anything just to ask permission, but if the Ministry of Culture or any other authorities do not give him permission, he should just go ahead and show the film anyway,” Moeun Chhean Narridh said.
Chea Mony, who has replaced his brother as president of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, accused municipal officials of attempting to delay the screening and prevent the public from seeing the film.
“It is a pretext,” Chea Mony said. “If the authorities do not allow the screening, it means that they are afraid of learning more about Chea Vichea’s killing.”
When the truth hurts ... just ban it: Hun Xen's regime
Authorities Ban Screening of Chea Vichea Film
Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Thursday, 29 April 2010
“The movie does not dishonor the nation,” he said. “And we think the screening would push authorities to speed up the investigation.”Phnom Penh and Ministry of Interior authorities have banned the screening of a US documentary on the murder of labor leader Chea Vichea, saying the film is not licensed in Cambodia.
Organizers of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions had planned to show the film, which questions the motives behind the 2004 murder of the widely popular activist, for International Labor Day.
Organizers had wanted to screen the film following a May 1 march of around 200 workers and teachers on the National Assembly and the site near Wat Langka pagoda where Chea Vichea was killed.
In a letter to the confederation, Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema said authorities would approve the demonstration but not the screening of the film, which he said “has no license from related ministries.”
Ministry of Interior spokesman Khieu Sopheak said the film was considered an incitement of the public that painted relevant authorities as inefficient.
The death of Chea Vichea led to the arrests of two men, Born Samnang and Sok Samoeun who were widely considered innocent and later released, an aspect of the case explored by the film. No further arrests have been made.
Rong Chhun, president of the Confederation of Unions, called the decision “a ban to a freedom.”
“The movie does not dishonor the nation,” he said. “And we think the screening would push authorities to speed up the investigation.”
Chea Mony, brother of the slain activist and head of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, said the movie would link the murder to government officials, which likely prompted the ban.
Khieu Sopheak said authorities have not planned further investigation into the killing, because the two suspects who were already charged have only been provisionally released, pending the outcome of further court hearings.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Group to screen Chea Vichea film
A screenshot from the documentary Who Killed Chea Vichea? shows the union leader moments after he was shot dead on Street 51 and Sihanouk Boulevard. (Image courtesy of Bradley Cox)Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Meas Sokchea
The Phnom Penh Post
Unionists propose screening the documentary near the site of the labour leader’s 2004 murder
UNIONISTS plan to mark the May 1 Labour Day holiday by screening a documentary that explores the infamous unsolved murder of leader Chea Vichea near the spot where he was gunned down, union officials said Tuesday.
Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions (CCU), said he is planning to show the film, titled Who Killed Chea Vichea?, on Saturday in an attempt to pressure authorities, who critics say have dragged their heels in finding the perpetrators of the January 2004 slaying.
“We want this case to be investigated,” Rong Chhun said. The government “should not allow this case to go unresolved”.
Chea Vichea’s family believes the murder was political, and that he was targeted because he was a prominent union leader. Two men were arrested and convicted after his death, but
Chea Vichea’s family has insisted they are not guilty.
Screening the film could prove controversial. Organisers plan to show it next to the gates of Wat Lanka, near the street corner where Chea Vichea was shot.
Filmmaker Bradley Cox said that rather than focusing on who pulled the trigger, the documentary seeks to ask the question of who ordered the murder.
“Based on the evidence and reasonable deduction, I think the movie goes a long way in answering this,” he said last week via email.
Chea Mony, who succeeded his murdered brother as leader of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, said organisers hope the film will shine a light on the government’s failure to solve the case.
“Many well-known persons were killed, but the killers have never been arrested,” said Chea Mony, who urged authorities to allow organisers to screen the film. “The government must not prohibit the showing of this film because people have suffered greatly from this murder.”
Information Minister Khieu Kanharith said authorities would not stop anyone from showing the film for political reasons.
However, he said organisers must obtain permission from Phnom Penh municipal officials first because the screening will be in public.
“For [the government], it is no problem, but normally if you are showing it in a public spot, you must ask permission from the authorities,” Khieu Kanharith said.
“If we cannot find [the killers], let them criticise us. It doesn’t matter.”
Union organisers said they have sent an official request to City Hall asking for permission to show the film.
Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema could not be reached for comment.
UNIONISTS plan to mark the May 1 Labour Day holiday by screening a documentary that explores the infamous unsolved murder of leader Chea Vichea near the spot where he was gunned down, union officials said Tuesday.
Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions (CCU), said he is planning to show the film, titled Who Killed Chea Vichea?, on Saturday in an attempt to pressure authorities, who critics say have dragged their heels in finding the perpetrators of the January 2004 slaying.
“We want this case to be investigated,” Rong Chhun said. The government “should not allow this case to go unresolved”.
Chea Vichea’s family believes the murder was political, and that he was targeted because he was a prominent union leader. Two men were arrested and convicted after his death, but
Chea Vichea’s family has insisted they are not guilty.
Screening the film could prove controversial. Organisers plan to show it next to the gates of Wat Lanka, near the street corner where Chea Vichea was shot.
Filmmaker Bradley Cox said that rather than focusing on who pulled the trigger, the documentary seeks to ask the question of who ordered the murder.
“Based on the evidence and reasonable deduction, I think the movie goes a long way in answering this,” he said last week via email.
Chea Mony, who succeeded his murdered brother as leader of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia, said organisers hope the film will shine a light on the government’s failure to solve the case.
“Many well-known persons were killed, but the killers have never been arrested,” said Chea Mony, who urged authorities to allow organisers to screen the film. “The government must not prohibit the showing of this film because people have suffered greatly from this murder.”
Information Minister Khieu Kanharith said authorities would not stop anyone from showing the film for political reasons.
However, he said organisers must obtain permission from Phnom Penh municipal officials first because the screening will be in public.
“For [the government], it is no problem, but normally if you are showing it in a public spot, you must ask permission from the authorities,” Khieu Kanharith said.
“If we cannot find [the killers], let them criticise us. It doesn’t matter.”
Union organisers said they have sent an official request to City Hall asking for permission to show the film.
Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema could not be reached for comment.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Hun Xen: Workers' demonstration is a No, No!
Hun Xen warns against demonstration
26 April 2010
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
26 April 2010
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
On Sunday, PM Hun Xen warned factory workers not to hold a demonstration when 6 trade unions announced a plan to hold a join demonstration to demand a salary raise during the upcoming 01 May day celebration. At least 7,000 factory workers belonging to 6 worker unions planned to send a petition to the National Assembly on 01 May to demand a raise of salary for workers. Ath Thun, President of the Cambodian Labor Confederation, told the Phnom Penh Post on Sunday that workers will hold a precession from Wat Phnom to the National Assembly to hand over a petition asking this legislative body to help improve the livelihood of workers. Information about the reunion has started to appear when Hun Xen met with 300 workers on Sunday morning in Koh Pech, Phnom Penh city, to celebrate the workers’ day. Hun Xen told the workers that they should continue to work and avoid any strike or demonstration. Chuon Mom Thol, leader of the Cambodian Confederation of Trade Unions who was also present during the meeting with Hun Xen, indicated that the latter advised workers to resolve disputes through referees. He quoted Hun Sen as saying: “Garment factories are like the rice pot for the workers. If the workers are disputing with the factories, this is tantamount to destroying the workers’ rice pot.”
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Chea Vichea's Day
Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)Monday, May 04, 2009
Sam Rainsy addresses workers on International Labor Day
May 1, 2009 - MP Sam Rainsy addresses workers on International Labor Day in front of the National Assembly in Phnom Penh.
Friday, May 01, 2009
May Day celebration in Phnom Penh
Opposition MPs Kem Sokha, Sam Rainsy and Mu Sochua speaking to the workers (All Photos: DAP-news)
Marking World Labor Day in Phnom Penh
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Cambodian garment workers hold banners as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold banners as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold banners as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold banners as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold banners as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold banners as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold their national flags as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment factory workers hold banners while attending May Day celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodian garment factory workers walk on the street in Phnom Penh to mark May Day celebrations, asking the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian garment factory workers hold banners while attending May Day celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodian garment factory workers walk on the street in Phnom Penh to mark May Day celebrations, asking the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian garment factory workers stand under banners while attending May Day celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodian garment factory workers walk on the street in Phnom Penh to mark May Day celebrations, asking the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian garment factory workers march on the street to mark May Day celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodian garment factory workers walk on the street in Phnom Penh to mark May Day celebrations, asking the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian garment workers hold banners as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold banners as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold banners as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold banners as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold banners as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold banners as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment workers hold their national flags as they march on the street to mark World Labor Day in Phnom Penh May 1, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian garment factory workers hold banners while attending May Day celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodian garment factory workers walk on the street in Phnom Penh to mark May Day celebrations, asking the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian garment factory workers hold banners while attending May Day celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodian garment factory workers walk on the street in Phnom Penh to mark May Day celebrations, asking the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian garment factory workers stand under banners while attending May Day celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodian garment factory workers walk on the street in Phnom Penh to mark May Day celebrations, asking the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cambodian garment factory workers march on the street to mark May Day celebrations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, May 1, 2009. Hundreds of Cambodian garment factory workers walk on the street in Phnom Penh to mark May Day celebrations, asking the government to enhance the minimum wage and their working condition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Union plans a 1,500-workers gathering on May Day
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
The Free Trade Union of Workers in the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC), along with the Federation of Workers in Cambodia and a number of civil society organization, plan to hold a gathering of 1,500 workers in front of Wat Botum pagoda in the morning of 01 May to celebrate the International Workers’ Day. Chea Mony, President of the FTUWKC, indicated that his union, along with the Federation of Workers in Cambodia and a number of civil society organizations, plan to hold a gathering of at least 1,500 workers in front of Wat Botum pagoda to celebrate the International Workers’ Day. He said that during this gathering, speeches will be given and a procession will march to the east of Wat Langka pagoda to place flowers to commemorate Chea Vichea who was gunned down in that area. Chea Mony added that during this occasion, he will send a petition to the government asking its intervention on 10 points, including the search for Chea Vichea’s killers, and posthumously elevate Chea Vichea to the status of Workers’ Hero. Chea Mony said that this gathering will be very peaceful because Cambodia is currently facing an economic crisis.
… Meanwhile Hun Sen authorizes 3,500 workers to come to meet him at his fortress in Tuol Krasaing Tiger Lair
Unless there is any change, on Tuesday 21 April, Hun Sen will meet with 3,500 representatives of workers at his fortress in Tuol Krasaing, Takhmao district, Kandal province. Vong Sovann, the president of the Federation of National Unions of Cambodia, said that, on 21 April, Hun Sen authorized 3,500 workers to go and meet him in Tuol Krasaing. These workers representatives come from the Federation of National Unions of Cambodia, the Congress of National Unions of Cambodia, and the Federation of Textile Workers Union in Cambodia. This gathering allegedly shows that Hun Sen pays attention to the workers with the aim of pushing Cambodia’s economy forward at a time when the world is facing an economic crisis.
… Meanwhile Hun Sen authorizes 3,500 workers to come to meet him at his fortress in Tuol Krasaing Tiger Lair
Unless there is any change, on Tuesday 21 April, Hun Sen will meet with 3,500 representatives of workers at his fortress in Tuol Krasaing, Takhmao district, Kandal province. Vong Sovann, the president of the Federation of National Unions of Cambodia, said that, on 21 April, Hun Sen authorized 3,500 workers to go and meet him in Tuol Krasaing. These workers representatives come from the Federation of National Unions of Cambodia, the Congress of National Unions of Cambodia, and the Federation of Textile Workers Union in Cambodia. This gathering allegedly shows that Hun Sen pays attention to the workers with the aim of pushing Cambodia’s economy forward at a time when the world is facing an economic crisis.
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.”
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Unions Demand Respect of Human Rights for May Day
Seng Ratana, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
01/05/2007
Original report from Phnom Penh
01/05/2007
A coalition of local unions issued a statement for International Labor Day, May 1, urging the government and employers respect the rights of workers and labor laws and demanding deeper investigations into the murders of labor leaders.
The statement comes after a recent letter from international manufacturers to Prime Minster Hun Sen and other ministers calling for investigations into murders and intimidation of labor leaders.
Cambodia's turbulent labor sector has seen at least three murders since 2004. The latest, in February, has gone unsolved, and the first, of labor leader Chea Vichea, put two men in prison whom are widely believed innocent.
The statement comes after a recent letter from international manufacturers to Prime Minster Hun Sen and other ministers calling for investigations into murders and intimidation of labor leaders.
Cambodia's turbulent labor sector has seen at least three murders since 2004. The latest, in February, has gone unsolved, and the first, of labor leader Chea Vichea, put two men in prison whom are widely believed innocent.
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