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AFP - Hundreds of workers have been fired from a Cambodian
factory making sportswear for US giant Nike following a series of protests over
pay, unionists said on Tuesday, denouncing the move as "unacceptable"
and illegal.
"They have been forced to resign from their jobs
without any compensation. This act is illegal," said Mann Seng Hak, a
leader of the Free Trade Union.
He said nearly 300 workers had been sacked.
"This is a kind of punishment to threaten workers
not to hold more protests or strikes. It's unacceptable," he told AFP,
adding that his group would complain to the government.
There was no immediate comment from the factory owner.
Cambodian workers have staged a series of shows of
discontent at low wages and tough conditions in the multibillion-dollar textile
industry, which produces goods for top western brands.
At least 10 workers were injured on June 3 when police
broke up a demonstration at the Sabrina Cambodia Garment Manufacturing in the
southern province of Kampong Speu making goods for Nike, according to
unionists.
A week earlier riot police allegedly used stun batons
against the strikers. Protesters said a pregnant woman suffered a miscarriage
in that crackdown, and have accused the security personnel of using excessive
force to quell the rallies.
Cambodia holds elections on July 28, with strongman
premier Hun Sen -- who has led the country since 1985 -- looking to extend his
hold on power.
The textile industry, which employs about 650,000 people
and produces clothes for top western brands, is a key source of foreign income
for the country.
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