Cambodian Labor Organization

Global change does not necessarily imply global improvement. Although a growing union movement has resulted in some improvements in workers rights, there is still a long way to go before Cambodians can enjoy their internationally guaranteed labor rights. Human Rights First has worked closely with the Cambodian Labor Organization (CLO) to establish a Cambodian NGO coalition dedicated to improving working conditions for Cambodians.

CLO is the only Cambodian NGO focusing exclusively on workers rights. Executive Director Seng Phally formed CLO in 1995 to introduce the conditions of workers to the discussion about Cambodia’s economic growth.

“One of the primary goals of CLO is to help workers help themselves,” says Mr. Seng Phally. “This means that workers must be free to join independent, effective and professional unions.” In addition to monitoring factory abuses, CLO trains workers and unions in labor rights. Furthermore, understanding that most garment workers are women, CLO is planning to open clinics for primary medical care in their three district offices, which are located near Cambodian garment factories, and commence training sessions for female garment workers on sexually transmitted diseases, family planning and HIV/Aids.

Some chief concerns of Cambodian workers are: harassment of union members, unfair dismissals and forced overtime, which can amount to more than 60 hours a week with no extra pay. Workers can go to any of CLO’s three district offices or their main office in Phnom Penh to seek assistance on any workers rights issue. After substantiating a complaint, CLO seeks recourse on many levels, from union representatives and factory management to retailer compliance officers and the Cambodian Ministry of Labor.

“CLO not only teaches workers that they are free to join unions, but we help build the capacity of unions so that they can meet worker needs,” Mr. Seng Phally explained. “For instance CLO trains unions how to negotiate with management and gives advice on when it might be appropriate to resort to other techniques, such as strikes. CLO also hopes to teach unions how to engage international retailers and advocate in the international community generally.”

Human Rights First is working with CLO to build support in the international community. By giving garment workers tools to improve their own lives, the partnership between CLO and Human Rights First has been a catalyst for the further development of the workers rights movement in Cambodia.