“Media Statement” 5 April 2021

The Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU) condemns Tripos International Cambodia Co., Ltd’s persecution and discrimination of leaders, members and activists of the Cambodian Union of Tripos.

On 19 November 2020, the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions notified Tripos International of the results of the first election to form the Cambodian Union of Tripos … We have detailed at least seven separate instances of persecution and discrimination against our members at Tripos.

According to the Cambodian Constitution, the Law on Trade Unions and international conventions, all workers have the right to form trade unions. As well as this, Article 63 of the Law on Trade Unions states that interference by any means with workers in the exercise of their rights to form a trade union is to be considered illegal. On 3 December 2020, the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions filed a complaint with the local Department of Labour about Tripos’ interference with, persecution of and discrimination against the leaders, activists and members of the Cambodian Union…

Therefore, in order to protect our members’ interests at Tripos, the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions publicly condemns these acts of persecution and discrimination and calls on the Ministry of Labour and brands sourcing from the factory such as Clarks to intervene and ensure that leaders, members and activists have full rights and freedom in forming and joining as members of the Cambodian Union.