Freedom of Association

Myanmar: Is COVID-19 a smokescreen for labour abuses?

May 28, 2020 —

Union-busting during COVID-19 pandemic

May 25, 2020 —

During the COVID-19 pandemic, garment workers around the world are not only struggling to survive the risk of infection, loss of employment and cuts in their wages, they are also resisting employer attempts to use the pandemic as an opportunity to rid themselves of unions and union members.

Bangladesh: Struggle for Living Wage and Anti-Union Repression

Feb 15, 2020 —

Photo: Clean Clothes Campaign

Workers’ fight for decent wages has been ongoing in Bangladesh, as has government repression whenever workers organize to achieve improved wages and working conditions.

In December 2016, worker protests for decent wages were met with violent crackdowns by national and industrial police forces. Despite the repression, workers have continued to mobilize and lobby industry and government for substantial increases to the country’s minimum wage.

Brands and civil society groups raise concerns over changes to Cambodia’s trade union law

Jan 25, 2020 —

Two separate joint letters have been sent by international civil society organizations and global apparel and footwear brands to Cambodian Prime Minister, Samdech Hun Sen, expressing their concerns regarding recent amendments to the country’s Law on Trade Unions, which were approved by the Cambodian Senate in early December 2019.

The first letter, dated December 18, 2019, was co-signed by 36 Cambodian and international civil society organizations, including MSN, and the second by 23 global brands and multi-stakeholder organizations with an interest in Cambodia.

Read more about Brands and civil society groups raise concerns over changes to Cambodia’s trade union law

STAR union reaches settlement with Gildan, but job commitments lacking

Dec 18, 2019 —

Five months after Montreal-based clothing manufacturer Gildan Activewear’s surprise announcement that it was closing its STAR factory in El Progreso, Honduras, the SITRASTAR union and Gildan have finally reached an agreement on compensation and other issues.

Six Cambodian union leaders unjustly sentenced in a trial riddled with irregularities

Dec 25, 2018 —

On December 11, 2018, six prominent Cambodian union leaders were found guilty of instigating violent protests in December 2013 and January 2014 and ordered to pay a collective fine of approximately US$8,600. The sentence comes just two months after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, under increasing international pressure, publicly urged labour and justice ministers to finalize all court cases against union leaders, a call originally lauded by union leaders.

Read more about Six Cambodian union leaders unjustly sentenced in a trial riddled with irregularities
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Workers subjected to violence, death threats and firings win reinstatement

Jul 25, 2018 —

Photo: WRC

Fifteen workers who were subjected to beatings, death threats and firings for attempting to form a union at a Shahi Exports garment factory in Bangalore, India have won reinstatement and an apology from their employer.

Read more about Workers subjected to violence, death threats and firings win reinstatement

Attacks on Bangladeshi unions intensify in aftermath of wage protests (January 2017)

Jan 4, 2017 —

Since December 21, 2016, in the aftermath of a week of unrest by thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers striking for higher wages, the Bangladeshi authorities have arrested or detained at least 14 union leaders and worker rights advocates, and 11 currently remain in police custody.

Free the Tipitapa 12: Nicaraguan workers prosecuted for taking part in peaceful protest (December 2016)

Dec 19, 2016 —

Photo: Industriall

Twelve workers will have to serve more time under house arrest for taking part in a peaceful protest against the dismissal of their union representatives and unjust working conditions.

Report: Beyond voluntary codes and audits - a challenge for the Electronics Industry (July 2016)

Jul 19, 2016 —

The Jesuit-affiliated Centre for Reflection and Action on Labour Issues (CEREAL) has just released its seventh annual report on working conditions in the Mexican electronics industry.

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