Trade union leaders threatened with arrest following strike

Several union leaders and activists organizing a nationwide strike of garment factory workers in Cambodia are at risk of arrest and legal action.

The five day national strike which involved 200,000 workers was called by a coalition of garment industry unions in protest at a new minimum wage set for the garment and footwear industry.

Last week, the Prime Minister authorized the police and local authorities to begin unspecified legal action against strike leaders. The courts are reported to have warrants ready for the arrest of nine individuals for incitement.

Although the strike was temporarily suspended on 16 September following an offer of further negotiations, it is feared that the threat of legal action remains.

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