Former PDC workers in Cambodia were forced to give up their struggle after their campaign to get severance payments became deadlocked.

The Clean Clean Clothes Campaign understands the situation the workers found themselves in and the reasoning  the workers have for their decision. It became clear that Abercrombie&  Fitch and Target will not take their responsibility – unlike  Gap. After more than two years of struggle people are now forced to focus on the hard work of day to day survival and taking care of their families.

Approximately 600 workers were dismissed in 2008 without notice. They were not paid the severance required under Cambodian law. Although Gap acknowledged its responsibility and ensured that a large part of the outstanding severance was paid to the former employees, Target offered a paltry sum of US$ 5.00 per worker while Abercrombie &  Fitch stonewalled entirely and refused any payment.

The Clean Clothes Campaign will continue to monitor the behaviour of these companies. We will not forget  Abercrombie&  Fitch and Target's refusal to take responsibility for redressing the violations of workers' rights in this case.