Who was Sovanna Soy?

Sovanna was a delegate for the National Union of Workers at Ingham Chickens at Bolivar. She was instrumental in organising workers at this worksite, particularly the large number of Cambodian and Vietnamese workers which led to a successful strike and agreement. She was a foundation member of the Youth Network established by SA UNIONS in 2002 and together with fellow delegate Cliff Clayson came up with the name for our Youth Network, U-Who? She was a participant in the 2003 Union Summer Project.

As a refugee from Cambodia to Australia she had many struggles and challenges. She was a determined person with a strong sense of justice and was always willing to stand up for others and for what was right as well as having enormous energy and a great sense of fun.

These qualities meant she formed strong bonds with other participants of the 2003 Union Summer Program, so it was a terrible shock that she tragically took her own life during the program at the age of 22, leaving behind her 5 year old son Kalvin.

The other participants wanted her to be remembered in a positive and on-going way and in a way that continues her commitment to young people and unions. They decided to name the program after her and ensure it happened each year.

If you would like more information about the Sovanna Soy Union Summer Program contact Jodie Schluter at SA Unions - jschluter@saunions.org.au