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| The Special Economic Zone in Khan Posenchey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, houses fashion, food, electronic products, and more for local and regional consumption. Photo: World Bank/Chhor Sokunthea |
UN
23 December 2015 – The United Nations International Labour Organization
(ILO) today called on Cambodian workers, trade unions, Government and
employers to engage in dialogue to resolve a confrontation in the
Special Economic Zones in Bavet City and enable a return to work.
“The
recent confrontations are not constructive means of industrial action,”
the ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Laos said in a news
release, offering its good offices, technical assistance and advisory
services to help the parties resolve the dispute.
According
to media reports, police used water cannons on Monday to quash a
protest by factory workers seeking higher wages, detaining at least a
dozen demonstrators.
“The
ILO appeals to all involved parties that genuine efforts are made to
avoid any repeat of such actions,” the release said. “The early
reinstatement of normal operations in the affected factories and safe
return of workers to their workplaces are issues of critical
importance.”
Stressing
that the zones constitute a significant part of Cambodia’s industrial
sector, the ILO warned that recent events there could affect a number of
factories that operate in an intensely competitive international
environment.
“As
such, these factories are also a major source of employment and income
for a large number of Cambodian households,” it said. “They also
contribute significantly to Cambodia’s international trade, attract
foreign direct investments and continue to promote business development
opportunities.
“The current frictions if not addressed promptly and effectively might become a cause for concern for all parties.”
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