Hundreds of workers
of a Taiwan owned shoe factory
are on strike operates "like a prison"

Prepared for internet by Vietnamese Missionaries in Taiwan

Hundreds of workers of a Taiwan owned shoe factory are on strike operates "like a prison".

 Phnom Penh, Cambodia, AP - Friday January 5, 2001 - A Taiwan owned shoe factory in southern Cambodia where hundreds of workers are on strike operates "like a prison", opposition leader Sam Rainsy said on Thursday January 4, 2001.

 "The workers live there, sleep there, are not allowed to go out, and forced to work overtime. Those who refuse to work are fired or not given food or beaten," he said.

 Rainsy joined workers in a demonstration at the New Star Shoe Factory in the coastal town of Sihanoukville, 185 kilometers southwest of Pnom Penh.

 While strikers demanded a halt to mandatory overtime, dozens of military police patrolled inside the factory where hundreds of other employees continued working, Rainsy said.

 Workers claim they are not paid the minimum wage of dlrs 45 per month.

 The factory, which with 1,700 workers is one of Cambodia's largest manufacturing facilities, has been the site of several work stoppages in the past ten days, police and opposition party members said.

 Sihanoukville Gov. Puth Chandarith acknowledged the factory contained many bunk beds but he said it was unclear if the workers were forced to sleep there or not.

 "Some of the workers live far away and it is helpful for them to stay at the factory. But an investigation is underway," he said.

 Employees cannot legally be forced to work overtime, and if they do work extra hours they must be compensated. Last year (2000) there were many serious labor protests in Pnom Penh, but strikes have been rare ouside the capital.

 In addition to the strike at the New Star Shoes Factory, workers at another Sihanoukville shoe factory went on strike last month (December 2000).

 A senior Sihanoukville police officer blamed Sam Rainsy for inciting the latest unrest.

 "The factory owner solved the problem already," said So Bunoeun, a police commander in Sihanoukville.

 Gov. Puth Chandarith confirmed that military police were dispatched to the factory Wednesday January 3, 2001 and Thursday January 4, 2001 "for people's protection." He also said authorities were investigating allegations that some workers were beaten.
 
 

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