Cambodia’s new trade union law: Ethical Trading Initiative and members’ response

The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) has actively engaged with Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training for some time on trade union representation and the payment of living wages, most recently in December 2015 and March 2016 to request that full consultation takes place with employers and trade unions with respect to the development of Cambodia’s new Trade Union Law.

ETI Executive Director Peter McAllister advises that the ETI and member brands sourcing from Cambodia have stressed that the new law should fully respect the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) conventions on freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.

Peter McAllister says that both the ETI and its members want to see a flourishing Ready Made Garment industry in Cambodia based on decent work and responsible sourcing. “The ETI and our members firmly believe that a key component of a successful industry is a system of mature industrial relations, enabling workers to elect their representatives and for those representatives to engage in collective bargaining with employers.”

With the advent in April of the draft law being considered in the Cambodian Parliament, ETI has written to the government to once again emphasise that the new law should fully take into account ILO conventions 87 and 98, in which it currently falls short. Among the key issues are the right to strike, that no intrusive requirements be placed on unions to report on their financing, nor restrictions be placed on workers’ eligibility to hold union office.

The ETI and its members, including major brands, trade unions and NGOs also recognise their responsibility to contribute towards the development of Cambodia’s apparels and textiles sector. They are committed to constructive engagement with the Government of Cambodia, business partners, employer’s associations and trade unions, to ensure international standards are met.

ENDS

Released by Jane Moyo, Acting Communications Manager, Ethical Trading Initiative on +44 (0)20 7841 4358 or +44 (0)7944 270833

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