C.CAWDU

C.CAWDU AND NATIONAL ELECTION OF CAMBODIA

Coalition of Cambodia Apparel Worker Democratic Union ( C.CAWDU AND THE NATIONAL ELECTION )

C.CAWDU is an independent and democratic union in Cambodia particularly represented garment worker right and interest. Everyday C.CAWDU has been provide differences to their member such as training, legal consultant, dispute resolution, collective bargaining with the Company and the government in order to inprove the working condition of the workers. As all you knew about union work. it is not easyl, it always facing with many problem, intermidation, killing, discrination, interfering and pressure by the employer and government. So currently the topic on National Election is the importanct agenda for union work and worker future with decent work and decent life. I think every one really hunger for the result of this election. What will happen ? What they waitting for is the political system that would be help their living condition became more better, that is why, from July 26, 2008 until July 29, 2008 all workers leave the city for their homeland in hand with one vote for their future and also to visit their famility that all of them really love in their heart.

By the way, all the C.CAWDU staff also went to their homeland with the same reason as worker.

We hope that every one achieved their wish for this year.

Union discrimination: Bai Her case

On June 19, 2007, C.CAWDU submitted notice, with the names of five candidates, to hold a union election as required by law. On June 20, 2007, one of the election candidates was dismissed without legal reason. On June 23, 2007, C.CAWDU convened the election with 46 workers participants (total workforce = 250). On June 26, 2007, seven elections candidates were dismissed without reason. Such action on the part of Bai Her management represents a clear violation of Cambodian Labor Law and International Labor Standards on Freedom of Association.

River Rich: Agreement reached with employer

On June 7, 2007, C.CAWDU reached a precedent-setting agreement with River Rich Textile Ltd. calling for reinstatement to be offered, on permanent contract, to all 30 terminated union leaders, average wage to be paid since the time of their dismissal, the factory to begin converting workers on fixed duration contracts to permanent contracts with the goal of eliminating the use fixed term contracts, all charges to be dropped against C.CAWDU leaders and members, and for C.CAWDU and the employer to build mature industrial relations to increase productivity and efficiency of the factory.

25 of the 30 workers accepted reinstatement and have since returned to work as agreed.

Union discrimination: E Garment case

On May 2, 2007, more than 250 workers in the E Garment factory participated in an election to create a C.CAWDU union. On May 3, management dismissed 13 of the 19 election candidates, without prior notice. Shortly thereafter, 3 other election candidates were threatened, relocated and eventually dismissed. Such action on the part of E Garment management represents a clear violation of Cambodian Labor Law and International Labor Standards on Freedom of Association.