Unions Denounce Cambodian Government

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Regional labor union leaders gathered in Phnom Penh on Friday to denounce the Cambodian government’s apparent threats to the country’s independent unions and to highlight workers’ urgent need for higher wages.

The apparel industry, which generates more than $5 billion in exports and employs more than 500,000 workers, has been experiencing turmoil since the year began, opening with a nationwide strike held by protesting workers to demand higher wages. On Jan. 3, armed government security forces opened fire on rioting workers, leaving at least five dead and more than 30 workers injured.