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UNI Global Union yesterday led calls in the Financial Times to stop the violence against protesting garment workers in Cambodia. In an article printed on January 7, UNI general-secretary, Philip Jennings said “This current wave of protests is the legitimate reaction of those (Cambodian) workers who deserve a fair wage and decent conditions, and they must not be silenced by violence. Leading retailers should act now against the threat of death and destruction in Cambodia”

The Cambodian government responded brutally to protests of garment workers, as military police opened fire on protestors in an attempt to quell demands for higher pay, causing the deaths of at least 4 protestors.

FT Bangkok regional correspondent, Michael Peel and retail correspondent, Barney Jopson said  “The growing unrest raises questions for companies that source clothes from Cambodia, including Walmart, Gap and Hennes & Mauritz, at a time when a similar mix of labour unrest and political crisis is also  threatening multinational suppliers in Bangladesh.”

“The Cambodia demonstrations – like those linked to disputed elections in Bangladesh – are an uncomfortable reminder to companies that shifting away from higher costs in China brings risks not only of pressure for wages rises elsewhere but of greater insecurity and public relations damage.”

Read the full article here: http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/c91f5cca-778e-11e3-afc5-00144feabdc0.html...