PM appeals for cooperation as workers party on Labor Day

Neth Pheaktra

The Mekong Times

On the 122nd International Labor Day Thursday, Prime Minister Hun Sen appealed for cooperation between workers in the textile sector.The premier asked investors and factory owners, “for good cooperation between trade unions and workers and [to] pay attention to workers’ wellbeing so that they have good health and sufficient nutrition.” Hun Sen encouraged bosses to respect the labor law by providing somewhere mothers can breastfeed, a canteen, a rest area and a clinic.Speaking at the inauguration of a Sihanoukville customs building, the premier asked factory bosses to examine the feasibility of increasing salaries or providing bonuses for workers to further motivate them. Hun Sen asked workers to fulfill their responsibilities, saying that the labor law is “a measuring meter,” and that conflicts must be solved through arbitration. “We must understand that, if a factory cannot operate, those who lose most are the workers,” Hun Sen said. “[We] must try to solve all problems gently even though the labor court will be established in the future.”Hun Sen’s remarks were given a cautious welcome by union officials and NGO staffers. Van Sou Ieng, president of Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia said the premier’s appeal “is a strong encouragement to cooperation.” He hoped that the appeal would reduce the number of demonstrations and strikes.However, Chea Mony, president of the Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC) – who has decided not to hold this year’s annual Labor Day demonstration – warned that words alone were not enough.“Please, Mr. Prime Minister, consider our workers by asking factory bosses to respect the labor law well, because in the past factory bosses discriminated against workers,” he said, adding that the current US$6 bonus was not enough to cope with inflation. “If salaries do not increase commensurate with the daily expense of workers, they will surely face serious health problems in upcoming four or five years,” Chea Mony warned.Kek Galubru, president of local human rights group Licadho, said the current low salaries were inadequate for daily food. “There will be health problems,” she said. “Many workers have poor health, and sometimes they fall ill during work and receive no appropriate medical treatment. The atmosphere and environment of work is not good.”No demonstration took place this year but 112 factories held parties for workers, according a statement by Hun Sen Thursday. Demonstrations were transformed into parties “because everyone is aware [of consequences of demonstration],” said the premier, adding he is proud of improvements in the garment sector.The garment industry employs around 300,000 people and adds billions to the national economy. Cambodia currently has around 400 factories, though Hun Sen said, “Cambodia wants thousands more.”