Labour orders issued by PM

Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday issued extensive orders to unions, factories, workers and authorities to rid the garment industry of violent strikes, roadblocks and rights violations he says are threatening public order. “There have been many strikes and demonstrations at factories recently, and, in some cases, it’s led to violence and public and private property being destroyed,” Hun Sen said in a statement. “The national police, military police and relevant officials have to take strong measures to stop all violence, the roadblocks . . . and people being detained and injured.” … The prime minister also became publicly involved in labour issues last week when he insisted an extra $2 be added to a proposed $12 hike in the $61 monthly minimum wage. … [Ken Loo, Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia secretary-general said] “We asked them to implement an existing [labour] law they have been trying to strengthen,” he said. “Our hope is the relevant authorities will carry out instructions to enforce the rule of law when workers . . . [engage in] illegal and violent strikes.” … Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions (CCU), said he supported Hun Sen’s orders for employers to reconise the rights of workers and union rights. He believed, however, the prime minister’s statement was more a response to CCU’s threats of a massive strike for a higher minimum wage.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/2013032964789/National/labour-orders-issued-by-pm.html