abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb
Article

21 Mar 2022

Author:
#PayYourWorkers Coalition

Cambodia: Trade unions demand Nike & Matalan ensure garment workers are paid $1.4 million in unpaid compensation & damages after factory closure

"Ramatex (Violet Apparel)"

When the Violet Apparel factory in Cambodia, owned by Ramatex, suddenly closed in July 2020, all of its workers lost their jobs. In response, the workers demanded their legally owed compensation, including unpaid wages and bonuses. Nike and Matalan were sourcing from Ramatex and have the responsibility to ensure the workers are paid. The union is demanding $1.4 million unpaid compensation and damages as workers are entitled to under Cambodian law. Nike (the largest buyer from Ramatex Group) and Matalan have thus far failed to take responsibility.

The workers also wrote a letter to Nike, calling Nike out on their sustainability slogans...

“When I heard that Violet closed, I felt like I lost everything I ever thought possible. It’s hard to get money for my child’s schooling or to pay the bank, or for medical treatment when my family is sick.”

— Ung Chanthoeun, union leader at Violet Apparel

[...]

Timeline