24 January, 2024IndustriALL Global Union is calling on Shun Xin Luggage in Cambodia to reinstate nine union leaders whose fixed contracts (FDC) were discontinued after forming a union in the factory.
Cambodian labour law allows employers to hire workers under FDC for two years, with a possible extension of another two years. Workers employed under FDC lack job security and are vulnerable to exploitation.
In July and August last year, management at Shun Xin Luggage discontinued the FDCs of the local union leaders, refusing to renew their contracts, saying there was no violation of workers’ rights.
IndustriALL has urged Shun Xin Luggage to stop union busting and reinstate all union leaders. Shun Xin Luggage produces for Lacoste who assisted with setting up a meeting between the union and company management in December last year. However, the company refuses to reinstate the workers, claiming that their vacant positions have already been filled.
CUMW president Pav Sina says:
“We demand that management at Shun Xin Luggage reinstates all union leaders and local union activists with backpay. All forms of union busting must end immediately, and fundamental workers’ rights must be respected; let the workers organize.”
IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie says:
“Shun Xin Luggage is engaging in anti-union discrimination and is in violation of Cambodia’s trade union law. Shun Xin should resume negotiations with CUMW and act in full accordance with national and international labour standards. We call on Shun Xin to immediately reinstate the members to their original positions.”