a list of 14 demands and informing the management that a strike would take place if they continued to refuse negotiations. Fortune management agreed to meet with C.CAWDU representatives on April 26th - 4 days before the start of the proposed strike.

At the meeting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the union and management and the strike was called off. Both parties now report positive working relationships and have expressed their commitment to ensure this continues. The Coalition of Cambodian Democratic Apparel Workers Unions (C.CAWDU) has also been granted access into the factory to monitor implementation of this agreement. The two workers whose dismissal was at the centre of the original case, Pay Ly Lay and Sok Vy,  have now both accepted compensation.

A number of trade union demands of over pay and conditions have been agreed. These include increased provision for maternity pay and leave, improved holiday entitlements and clarifications to the disciplinary procedure. Negotiations continue on other demands related to pay and benefits including the provisions for determining piece rates.

The Fortune case, which involved a number of UK brands, has been running as an LBL urgent appeal since November last year. The appeal asked supporters to write to Arcadia group, one of the brands sourcing from the factory, and urge them to take action to resolve problems at the factory. Unfortunate the Arcadia group have consistently refused to enter into dialogue and, as far as we are aware, have done nothing to contribute to this reslution.

Other brands sourcing from the factory, in particular NEXT, did respond to our requests for action and proved that brands and retailers can make a positive contribution to the improvement of workers rights. We hope that Arcadia will take note of this and follow their example in the future.

We would like to thank all you who took part in this appeal and supported these workers in their efforts to get better conditions.

Background on Fortune case: click here >>>> 

See Joint statement from ETI brands, union and LBL >>>>