Cambodia: Garment workers dismissed for unionising after protesting dismissal of pregnant workers; incl. co. response and non-response
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In 2017, workers at CIK Cambodia formed a union in response to the factory’s alleged practice of dismissing pregnant employees. Shortly after, three founding union members were fired. Labour rights groups, including C.CAWDU and CENTRAL, have supported the case, calling it a clear example of union-busting. A 2018 assessment by Better Factories Cambodia confirmed non-compliance on freedom of association and protection of pregnant workers. The factory produced for brands including DAIZ, Bonafit (brand owner: Lotte Shopping), and Guess. As of 2025, the dismissed workers continue to seek reinstatement and recognition of their union rights.
The workers have submitted a fact sheet to the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre outlining the case in detail. The document can be accessed below.
The workers and CSOs have endorsed a rejoinder in response to the non-responses from most of the companies contacted, except for Lotte Shopping, which submitted a response. The rejoinder can be accessed below. No company has responded to the rejoinder to date.