In April 2021, the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU) published a statement condemning alleged union-busting at Tripos International, a footwear manufacturing factory in Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia. According to public reports, management at the factory allegedly threatened the jobs of workers participating in attempts to unionise.

According to CATU, workers involved in the union have faced discrimination and persecution since CATU notified factory management of the results of the first election to form the Cambodian Union of Tripos in November 2020. Cambodia’s Trade Union Law outlaws interference by employers with workers exercising their right to form a trade union. In December 2020, CATU filed a complaint against Tripos International with the local Department of Labour. CATU has called on brands sourcing from the factory, including Clarks, to ensure that workers in their supply chain can exercise their right to freedom of association.

In April 2021, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invites Clarks to respond to these allegations. Clarks responded, stating: "The Clarks Code of Practice sets the working condition standards we expect from all our suppliers which under Freedom of Association includes the right for workers to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively." Clarks' full response and CATU's rejoinder can both be found below.