Apparel Group Calls For End To Cambodian Violence [pressures to arrest Chhouk Bandith]

Governor Chhouk Bandith, the suspected gunman, still remain at large.

asicentral.com
13th March, 2012

Major apparel and footwear brands have banned together with workers’ rights organizations and the American Apparel & Footwear Association to call for an end to the violent unrest – including a recent shooting – that has caused havoc in Cambodia’s garment industry. What happens in Cambodia is relevant to Western supply chains. In 2011, Cambodia was the sixth-largest supplier of apparel to the United States, accounting for some $2.6 billion.

As such, Puma, Columbia Sportswear, American Eagle Outfitters, Gap and H&M were among the Western brands that joined the Fair Labor Association and the Ethical Trading Initiative in sending a letter to Cambodia’s Minister of Commerce, H.E. Cham Prasidh, expressing concern over the violence. The letter was sent in the wake of a February 20 incident in which three female garment industry workers were shot and injured by a gunman. The incident occurred at a rally in which thousands of workers were calling for better conditions at factories in the eastern Svay Rieng province. Bavet City governor Chhouk Bandith, since named by government officials as the suspected perpetrator, was removed from his post last week and will reportedly be summoned for questioning. However, he remains at large.

“We are alarmed that the state of unrest has become increasingly violent and is continuing across other industrial sites,” the industry coalition's letter said. “We respectfully urge the Royal Government of Cambodia to conduct a full and transparent investigation…and hold those responsible for injuring workers accountable. We hope the government will redouble efforts to create a safe and stable environment for workers and businesses in the country. We will continue to stand by Cambodia through this period and support constructive dialogue between all parties that respect the rule of law and guarantee workers a fair and safe working environment.”

A major source of income for the Cambodian economy, the textile industry employs more than 300,000 people, predominantly women. Conflict between bosses and workers exploded in 2010 when tens of thousands of industry employees went on strike until the government arranged talks with manufacturers.