By Myo Thein - Sep 05, 2025
Workers at A&C Garment Factory say they are denied sick leave even when unwell, and management threatens their job security if they request it. Despite having an infirmary, a nurse, and available medication inside the factory, workers report that access to medical care is not easy.
“When we ask for sick leave, our supervisors tell us, ‘Get better and come back. Don’t bother come working if you’re sick.’ If we fall sick inside the factory, they don’t let us rest in the infirmary. The nurse isn’t always present, and it’s difficult to get medicine. Even when someone comes with the sick worker to request medicine, they still don’t give it. They make us work even when we’re unwell,” workers said.
The factory deducts MMK 3,000 per month for Social Security (SSB), but pregnant workers are still required to meet the same production targets as others. Supervisors simply respond that they have to work as usual, according to one worker.
Due to insufficient equipment for all workers, the factory assigns shifts by dividing them into day and night. Workers on the night shift say they are not provided transportation, but instead receive only MMK 2,000 for travel expenses, which they say is not enough.
“Night shift started in August. Because there aren’t enough big machines, they split us into day and night shifts. But they don’t provide ferry service for the night shift. They just give MMK 2,000. It costs MMK 1,000 if we take a carry from the factory to the gate. The route home requires two different buses, and MMK 2,000 isn’t enough. Plus, traveling late at night is dangerous,” said one worker.
The factory pays only MMK 4,800 as seniority pay and has not provided workers with EC contracts, according to workers.
Problems with water used for washing and drinking also persist within the factory. Workers say supervisors discriminate when complaints are raised about these conditions.
“Even workers with four or five years of experience haven’t received EC contracts. Seniority pay is just MMK 4,800. The WCC team hasn’t done anything about it. The drinking water isn’t clean. The toilets are filthy, and water frequently runs out. HR scolds us and refuses to give it again when we take water from the office restroom,” they said.
A&C Garment Factory is located on Road 1, Myaungtakar Industrial Zone, Hmawbi Township, Yangon Region. It is a Chinese citizen-owned garment factory producing Camel Active branded apparel.
