The five-week strike at the Tai Yang and Camwell garment factories in Kandal province is based on a lie and the union behind it is illegal, the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia has said.

In a statement issued on Saturday, GMAC secretary-general Ken Loo said Tai Yang did not change its name to Tai Nan in 2010 – an accusation that has led to workers striking since June 25 – and says the government and GMAC have documents proving it.

“All three factories [Tai Yang, Camwell and Tai Nan] have been members of GMAC since their date of incorporation and continue to be members of GMAC today,” the statement says.

Loo said the Cambodian Confederation of Unions was “an illegitimate organisation not recognised by any government department” that had misled workers with a “false accusation” about unpaid seniority benefits.

CCU president Rong Chhun, dismissed the comments.

“The factory has changed its name and we will continue to strike,” he said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Shane Worrell at [email protected]

With assistance from Sen David at [email protected]