I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night

It takes a while in any country to get labour organised and Cambodia has done better than some. Remember Coke hiring paramilitaries in Colombia a couple of years ago? In Cambodia, quite a number of trade union activists have ended up dead in 'accidents'. But this story is heartening.

More than 1000 garment factory workers protested Thursday outside New Mingda garment factory... claiming that two workers had been dismissed for involvement with the Free Trade Union (FTU)... The garment factory discriminated against [FTU] representatives... he was protesting to be allowed back to work as well as for working to get paychecks on time. (Cambodia Daily 31/01/2007)

The managers will always find excuses for any action

the factory's head of administration said that the two were fired before management found out they were FTU representatives... they were not hard-working guys... hoped workers would soon go back to work. (Cambodia Daily 31/01/2007)

Of course, claiming ignorance is not exactly original but it can work in a propaganda machine or in a state where the the media is under strict regulation.

Still... Support the strikers! Unionise! Up workers' rights!

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,

Alive as you and me.

Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"

"I never died" said he,

"I never died" said he.

"In Salt Lake, Joe," says I to him,

him standing by my bed,

"They framed you on a murder charge,"

Says Joe, "But I ain't dead,"

Says Joe, "But I ain't dead."

"The Copper Bosses killed you Joe,

they shot you Joe" says I.

"Takes more than guns to kill a man"

Says Joe "I didn't die"

Says Joe "I didn't die"

And standing there as big as life

and smiling with his eyes.

Says Joe "What they can never kill

went on to organize,

went on to organize"

From San Diego up to Maine,

in every mine and mill,

where working-men defend their rights,

it's there you find Joe Hill,

it's there you find Joe Hill!

I dreamed I saw Joe Hill last night,

alive as you and me.

Says I "But Joe, you're ten years dead"

"I never died" said he,

"I never died" said he.

(I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night by Alfred Hayes)

The workers are standing up for their rights - a beautiful sight - especially considering that the garment factories in Cambodia are exactly what we would call sweatshops back home. If the workers can get better conditions in just one factory, it might give heart to exploited workers all over the world.