Myo Thein
Workers at a factory owned by Brothers Myanmar Clothing Co., Ltd say they are forced to work continuously until 9 p.m. without being given breaks, and that they are verbally abused on a daily basis. In addition, they report facing wage discrimination and violations of their rights under labor laws.
“We have to work continuously from 7:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. without any breaks. There is no separate time given to eat snacks or meals. We end up eating secretly, as if we’re stealing,” one worker said.
Workers told the Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM) that factory officials reprimand them for eating snacks inside the workplace and even force them to sign warning letters. They also said that a male factory manager drinks alcohol together with EP staff and verbally abuses workers inside the workplace.
“The manager scolds us every day at the end of the work shift without any reason. The manager and EPs drink alcohol together. When they are drunk, they shout and curse without even knowing who they are yelling at. This happens frequently. Supervisors and line leaders also demand output and then shout and verbally abuse us,” workers said.
Although workers perform the same production work on the factory floor, they said wages are paid in a discriminatory manner and overtime pay is not calculated in accordance with the law.
“Sewing line workers get 11,000 kyats for basic wages, while Cutting, Packing, and Helpers receive only 9,800 kyats. Attendance bonuses are not paid fairly. The 50,000-kyat attendance bonus is entirely deducted if a worker misses just one day. For overtime on Sundays, they do not pay double as required by law, but only 2,200 kyats per hour. On Sundays and public holidays, they pay only 6,800 kyats,” workers said.
Workers said it does not resolve their difficulties although a Workplace Coordinating Committee (WCC) has been formed inside the factory.
“Nothing is resolved even when we go and raise issues. They themselves are afraid of the employer. They do not speak up for the workers at all,” workers said.
The Brothers Myanmar Clothing Co., Ltd factory is located on Ngwe Pin Lae (2) Street, Ngwe Pin Lae Industrial Zone, Hlaingtharyar Township, Yangon. It is reportedly owned by Chinese citizen. More than 1,000 workers are sewing garments for the Find-Out and Workman Colors brands, according to workers.
