For over six months, workers at the Kings Land Garment Company in Cambodia have asked management to address problems with working conditions at the factory.

After seeking government intervention and exhausting every possibility to urge management to meet with them, the Garment Workers Democratic Union went on strike on January 11 to demand that Kings Land recognize the union, discuss labor violations, and reinstate 18 union activists who have been illegally dismissed since the union was formed in July 2007.

Please take action today in support of the striking workers and tell Kings Land management that union rights are human rights. Send a letter demanding that Kings Land reinstate the dismissed workers and recognize the union's right to discuss working conditions at the factory.

SAMPLE LETTER

To the Management of Kings Land Garment Cambodia Co, Ltd.,

I am very concerned by reports of labor violations at Kings Land garment factory that have led to the recent strike. I strongly support the striking workers who are protesting Kings Land's refusal to recognize the Garment Worker Democratic Union of Kings Land Garment Company, its refusal to address problems regarding working conditions and its illegal dismissal of 18 union members, including the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.

I am writing to urge you to negotiate with the union and immediately reinstate the 18 union members you have dismissed. Kings Land's resistance is particularly alarming given that the union has tried to negotiate with you since July 2007 and the Ministry of Labor has called on you to engage in negotiations. I ask that you abide by the agreement you made on October 24, 2007 and implement the Arbitration Council award dated December 12, 2007. Implementation of the agreement and the award should apply to both the Kings land 1st and Lings Land 2nd factories.

The actions of Kings Land's management are in violation not only of local labor law, but also international labor standards. The right to form and participate in a union is a fundamental human right. Consumers who purchase products from your factory want your assurance that the working conditions are decent, fair and in accordance with international and national law.

Sincerely,