Union Says Strike is Over for Now, Ready To Negotiate

Garment workers are expected to return to work this morning, one week after a series of sometimes violent strikes disrupted Cambo­dia’s largest industry.

“This does not mean that we succumb” to police threats and in­timidation, said Chea Vichea, pre­sident of the Free Trade Union of the Workers of the King­dom of Cam­bodia.

But, he said, workers who can barely make ends meet on their $40-per-month base wage can’t afford to stay off the job any longer. The FTU wants the monthly wage increased from $40 to $70, a 75 percent increase manufacturers say they can’t afford. Chea Vichea held out the possibility Tuesday that workers might accept $60.

He urged workers to remain strong, noting that on Friday they had shut down 65 garment factories and that they will strike again if no settlement is reached.

The FTU move came after Chuon Mum Thal, president of the Cambodian Union Federa­tion, urged strikers to return to work to resume negotiations.

“We want to calm down the situation and get back to the table,’’ Chuon Mum Thal said. He said a meeting of the Labor Advisory Committee has been set for July 6, and that union representatives are “reasonable’’ people who want a settlement.

“We can compromise,’’ he said.   “We try to look for more money. But if an agreement cannot be reached, if we cannot [reach a] compromise, the strike could be extended to the whole country.’’

Roger Tan, secretary-general of the Garment Manufacturers Association, said he is pleased.   “I think it’s good, obviously. But I think the unions know they have carried this too far, and that it is not good for the image of Cam­bodia.’’

The FTU, the most active of Cam­bodia’s five garment-worker unions, ignited the strike last Wednesday after the Labor Advisory Committee delayed a decision on the minimum wage.

Violence briefly flared at several factories, as demonstrators broke windows and stormed gates. After warning gunfire erupted at one factory, police patrols in the factory districts were increased.

Chea Vichea said police had illegally dispersed workers and warned them not to hold rallies.