"TAFTAC’s Statement on CENTRAL’s Report and CCC’s Statement", 24 June 2024

TAFTAC is shocked and disappointed at the very bias and subjective report of CENTRAL which had claimed that the situation of freedom of association in Cambodia’s GFT sector had been deteriorating. This is simply not correct judging from a number of key indicators such as number of unions and workers’ unionization rate, minimum wage developments, comprehensive social security provision and the government’s recently launched strategic policy prioritizing workers’ rights, well-being and skill improvement. The statement released by CCAWDU and CATU also refutes the report and affirms that the state of freedom of association in Cambodia is better and certainly in the garment, footwear and travel goods sector. And for 23 years and beyond, Cambodia has committed to ILO-BFC Programme to help ensure high level of labour compliance in Cambodia. We ask CENTRAL to perform more professionally and fairly with high level of honesty for the benefits of both the workers and Cambodian economy.

Similarly, TAFTAC is shocked and disappointed at the Clean Clothes Campaign’s statement to condemn what they wrongly perceived as a smear campaign against independent labour right organization. Let’s remind ourselves that in a democratic society, it’s completely fine to intensely scrutinize and constructively criticize each other’s ideas, opinions or reports as long as concrete reasons are provided. Adopting a western value of free speech and freedom of expression and believing in people’s critical thinking, let’s all parties have their voices heard…