Cambodia garment workers' strike turns deadly

Cambodia garment workers' strike turns deadly 

Al Jazeera | 3 Jan 2014 

At least three people killed as security forces open fire on demonstrators in the capital, Phnom Penh.

At least three Cambodians were killed when police opened fire on striking garment workers, as opposition-backed protesters pressed their calls for wages to be doubled. 

 

 


An Associated Press photographer and human rights workers said police fired assault rifles on Friday, after several hundred workers blocking a road south of the capital Phnom Penh began burning tires and throwing objects at them. Several wounded workers could be seen after the shots were fired.

Cambodia garment workers' strike turns deadly Phnom Penh deputy police commissioner Chuon Narin told AFP news agency that three people had been killed and several others wounded.
 

About 500,000 Cambodians are employed in the garment industry, which is worth $5bn a year to the economy in exports. The government has offered $100 as a minimum monthly wage, short of a $160 wage pledged by the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party.
 

The clash comes a day after Cambodian soldiers forcefully quelled a demonstration, a turning point after two weeks of relatively peaceful strikes, marches and demonstrations in Cambodia.

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party has called for Prime Minister Hun Sen to step down, and for new elections. Hun Sen has rejected the demands.
 

Hun Sen won elections last July that extended his 28-year rule, but protesters led by opposition head Sam Rainsy accuse him of rigging the vote.
 

Although the wage and election issues are not directly linked, Cambodia's opposition has had long and close ties with the country's labour movement.