Minister warns against illegal strikes at Uniqlo supplier

Cambodia’s Labour Minister Heng Sour has urged garment workers to avoid unlawful strikes, stressing the importance of industrial stability as the country’s textile sector continues to expand.

On Tuesday, Sour visited Shinki Apparel, a major factory in Kampong Chhnang province that supplies Japanese retailer Uniqlo. The facility, built in 2025, employs around 6,600 workers, nearly four-fifths of them women. Touring the site and hosting a luncheon for staff, the minister praised the company’s compliance with labour laws and highlighted its provision of free daily meals, automation upgrades and safety standards.

“Maintain open communication with employers,” Sour told workers, pointing to ministry hotlines for dispute resolution and technical training. He warned against illegal work stoppages but underlined government efforts to improve living standards through the National Social Security Fund and a vocational training programme targeting 1.5 million people.

Garment exports at the heart of Cambodia’s economy

The garment industry is Cambodia’s largest export earner, accounting for billions of dollars annually and employing more than 800,000 people nationwide. Factories across the country produce clothing for some of the world’s best-known brands, including H&M, Adidas, Puma, Levi’s and Uniqlo.

This reliance on foreign markets makes labour stability a critical issue. Strikes and disputes have historically disrupted production, drawing international scrutiny. The government has repeatedly emphasised “industrial harmony” as a cornerstone of economic growth, echoing directives from former Prime Minister Hun Sen and his successor Hun Manet.

Balancing workers’ rights and investor confidence

While Cambodia’s garment sector has lifted many families out of poverty, it has also faced criticism over wages and working conditions. Sour’s visit reflects a delicate balancing act: reassuring investors of a stable environment while addressing workers’ concerns.

By commending Shinki Apparel’s practices, the minister sought to showcase a model of compliance and welfare provision. Yet his warning against unlawful strikes also signals the government’s determination to prevent disruptions that could jeopardise contracts with global retailers.

A sector under pressure

The timing of the visit is significant. Global demand for affordable fashion remains strong, but competition from neighbouring countries is intensifying. Cambodia’s ability to maintain smooth labour relations is seen as vital to retaining its place in international supply chains.

For workers at Shinki Apparel, the minister’s message was clear: dialogue and cooperation are the preferred path. For the government, the stakes are high — ensuring that Cambodia’s garment exports continue to underpin national growth while avoiding the instability that has marred the industry in the past.

-2026-06-04