Cambodia: Garment workers dismissed for unionising after protesting dismissal of pregnant workers; incl. co. response and non-response

The page reports that in 2017, workers at CIK Cambodia formed a union in response to alleged dismissals of pregnant employees. Shortly after, three founding union members were fired. Labour rights groups, including C.CAWDU and CENTRAL, describe this as clear union-busting. A 2018 Better Factories Cambodia assessment confirmed non-compliance regarding 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 seeking reinstatement and recognition of their union rights.

The workers submitted a fact sheet to the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre detailing the case. The workers and CSOs endorsed a rejoinder in response to non-responses from most contacted companies; Lotte Shopping provided a response. No other company has responded to the rejoinder to date.

“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.”

Contextual notes: Cambodia’s garment sector is a major export industry with documented concerns about freedom of association and workers’ rights, including union busting tactics reported by multiple NGOs and rights groups. The case underscores tensions between independent unions and brands/manufacturers, and the ongoing challenge of ensuring company accountability when responses are limited or absent.

Author’s summary: The case highlights ongoing union-busting tactics in Cambodia’s garment sector, with limited corporate responses and continued demands for reinstatement and recognition of workers’ union rights.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre — 2025-11-18

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