Cambodia

Workers' struggles around Asia (October 2009)

A round-up of links to reports about workers' struggles in Cambodia, Korea and Thailand.

I apologise for not being as thorough as usual, but my PC was stolen last month, I was without internet for two weeks, and tomorrow I'm going on holiday. Hopefully I can go back to normal in December, here's what I've found over the last couple of week:s

Interesting article on labour rights NGOs trying to use corporate social responsibility programs.

Workers' struggles around Asia (September 2009)

A round-up of links to reports about workers' struggles around Asia (excluding China). Updated 1/10/2009.

This month where has been news from Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia and far eastern Russia. And now additional news courtesy of Welt in Umwaelzung (listed first).

Indonesia

Various protests from Cambodia to Malaysia, and Sweden.

Here are some links to articles on various protests that have taken place recently in Cambodia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China and a strike by Vietnamese workers in Sweden.

Villagers in Cambodia have sent representatives to the government baring a petition asking for action over land grabs, which are becoming more common. 80% of the population live in rural areas, and there is no safety net, but as over 90% of land has no legal title (mostly destroyed under the Khmer Rouge) it is easy for companies, the rich and powerful etc. to simply take land.

Cambodia: Garment workers threaten strikes

Garment workers are trying to prevent large pay cuts. At the same time building workers have gone on strike in support of sacked colleagues.

The garment workers are threatening strikes in reaction to governement proposals to change the law that compels employers to pay double wages for night work. By cutting this premium by 70% the Prime Minister, Hun Sen, claims he will be able to create tens of thousands of new jobs. The industry is currently responsible for US$2.3bn worth of exports yearly, almost 80% of the total.

Cambodia: Garment worker shot

A 24-year old mother was shot in the back by Cambodian police during a protest at the Bright Sky factory last week.

Workers at the factory were protesting over new short-term work contracts, when management called the police. A large number of police armed with AK47s marched into the crowd, firing shots into the air, shooting a woman in the back as she tried to escape. Around 16 workers, members of the FTUWKC union, have been arrested since the protest.