We, the ATNC Monitoring Network and the undersigned organizations and trade unions from Hong Kong and from other Asian countries, are deeply moved by the brave actions taken by the garment workers and CCAWDU since September. We are impressed to see more than 200,000 garment workers taking part in the strikes in September to protest against the shameful rise of USD5 in the minimum wage negotiation reviewed since 4 years ago. The strike is probably the biggest in the industrial history of Cambodia. Yet it was followed by dismissals and threats of litigations, menaces and tremendous pressure from the employers, the GMAC and the government to individual workers, union leaders and CCAWDU. All these remind all of us here in Hong Kong, and across the Asian region, that the garment workers many of whom are women, have been taking the lead in the domestic labour movement for justice and against exploitation.
Indeed, since June this year, workers in China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh have staged strikes and militant actions against the low wages in different sectors, including garment, electronics and auto industries. In Asia, the unity of the working class is deeply divided by corporatist unions and politicized unions. We thank you for showing us and workers in Asia a good example that by struggling together we can strengthen the power of the working class and demonstrate to the domestic labour movement what a truly independent trade union is.
Your actions also once again educate us about the urgent need for the Hong Kong and Asian labour movements to seek solidarity with you and peoples in Asia to regulate Hong Kong capital and their investments in the Asian region. The capital accumulation model of Hong Kong companies is based on oppressing the independent trade unions, pressuring or colluding with the local government through the trade associations, for suppression of workers’ wages, benefits and their political rights. It is exercised without exception in Hong Kong, China, your country and the rest of the region. We are committed to struggling with you by mobilizing greater support and awareness amongst the trade unions, labour and civil society organizations, and the general public in Hong Kong and across Asia to regulate the labour rights violations of Hong Kong companies and the trade associations in the Asian region.
To the 779 workers who have taken part in the strike and were dismissed by the employers, we send our solidarity to you and your families. Your bravery acts and support to the union must not be penalized. In Hong Kong we condemn the dismissals of the workers and the trade union leaders. We demand Addchance, River Rich, Winner and Goldfame factories for the reinstatement of the dismissed workers immediately.
We ask you and the garment workers in Cambodia to continue to stand together and support the independent trade union movement in your country.
We are your comrades in this long term struggle!
Name of co-signed organizations (in alphabetical order):
Asian Transnational Corporation Monitoring Network (ATNC Network)
Asian Network for the Rights of Occupational and Environmental Victims (ANROEV)
Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA)
Asia Monitor Resource Centre (AMRC), Hong Kong
Committee for Asian Women (CAW), Thailand
Clothing Industry, Clerical and Retail Trade Employees General Union, Hong Kong
Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research (EILER), Philippines
Globalization Monitor (GM), Hong Kong
Hong Kong Christian Industrial Committee (HKCIC), Hong Kong
Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), Hong Kong
Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association (HKWWA), Hong Kong
ITUC/GUF Hong Kong Liaison Office (IHLO), Hong Kong
Justice and Peace Commission of Hong Kong Catholic Diocese
Labour Action China (LAC), Hong Kong
Left 21, Hong Kong
National Free Trade Union, Sri Lanka
Progress Union, Sri Lanka
Serve the People Association, Taiwan
Students & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehaviour (SACOM), Hong Kong
The Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL), Philippines
The National Coalition for the Protection of Workers Rights (NCPWR), Philippines
The Apparel Industry Labour Rights Movement (ALaRM), Sri Lanka
Workers Assistance Center (WAC), Philippines
Worker Empowerment (WE), Hong Kong