Post by RedFlag32 on Oct 20, 2006 23:08:00 GMT
Cambodian Garment Worker Shot by Police in Labour Unrest
The Global Union Federation representing workers in the clothing sector has condemned police violence against Cambodian garment workers after a young woman was seriously injured after being shot in the back during a protest at the Bright Sky factory on Monday.
According to Neil Kearney General Secretary of the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation (ITGLWF), management called in the police following a protest by workers on Monday evening stemming from a dispute over short-term work contracts.
Scores of police armed with AK47s marched into the crowd, firing bullets into the air. A 24-year old mother was shot in the back by police while trying to escape the disturbances.
Mr. Kearney told Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Minister of Labour Vong Soth that such appalling behaviour on the part of the police was destroying the image of a country that desperately needs to be seen as a place that respects fundamental worker rights, particularly at a time when there is great uncertainty in the industry.
Says Mr. Kearney: “In the days after the incident, police started rounding up members of the FTUWKC union who were involved in the protest at the factory. Up to 16 workers have now been arrested”.
The Global Union has demanded an immediate enquiry into the matter and has called on the authorities to ensure the immediate release any detained trade union leaders.
The Global Union has also called on Bright Sky management to drop any charges against the workers and to sit down with the union in good faith to resolve the outstanding issue of labour contracts.
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The International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation is a global union federation bringing together 220 affiliated organisations in 110 countries with a combined membership of 10 million workers.
The Global Union Federation representing workers in the clothing sector has condemned police violence against Cambodian garment workers after a young woman was seriously injured after being shot in the back during a protest at the Bright Sky factory on Monday.
According to Neil Kearney General Secretary of the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation (ITGLWF), management called in the police following a protest by workers on Monday evening stemming from a dispute over short-term work contracts.
Scores of police armed with AK47s marched into the crowd, firing bullets into the air. A 24-year old mother was shot in the back by police while trying to escape the disturbances.
Mr. Kearney told Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Minister of Labour Vong Soth that such appalling behaviour on the part of the police was destroying the image of a country that desperately needs to be seen as a place that respects fundamental worker rights, particularly at a time when there is great uncertainty in the industry.
Says Mr. Kearney: “In the days after the incident, police started rounding up members of the FTUWKC union who were involved in the protest at the factory. Up to 16 workers have now been arrested”.
The Global Union has demanded an immediate enquiry into the matter and has called on the authorities to ensure the immediate release any detained trade union leaders.
The Global Union has also called on Bright Sky management to drop any charges against the workers and to sit down with the union in good faith to resolve the outstanding issue of labour contracts.
-end-
The International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation is a global union federation bringing together 220 affiliated organisations in 110 countries with a combined membership of 10 million workers.