By Yoon Sat - Feb 18, 2025
Protests against labour rights violations at the Japanese-owned Honeys garment factory are now gaining momentum in Japan, as more than 400 workers and long-time labour rights activist Daw Myo Aye continue demanding justice after years of hardship.
The Japanese-owned Honeys garment factory laid off over 400 workers in 2017 following labour rights protests. In response, thousands of workers staged demonstrations. Daw Myo Aye, who had supported the affected workers, was subsequently sued by the factory for damages amounting to nearly 20,000 lakhs MMK (over 18,800 lakhs MMK).
The factory has recently dropped its lawsuit after nearly eight years of legal battles,. However, the dismissed workers and Daw Myo Aye are now demanding compensation of over 80,000 lakhs MMK for the injustices they have endured.
“We are taking this issue to Japan because we have endured this struggle for seven to eight years since 2017. We have waited for justice, but now is the time to demand it,” Daw Myo Aye stated.
Additionally, the Pay Your Workers campaign—a global movement advocating for garment workers' rights—was launched on February 14 in response to labour rights violations at the Honeys factory. Trade unions and civil society organizations in Japan have also joined the campaign in solidarity. The Clean Clothes Campaign (CCC), a Netherlands-based organization, has begun mobilizing support for the cause.
“CCC is based in the Netherlands, while STUM is part of the South East Asia CCC Network. The Honeys case is being addressed in collaboration with the East Asia CCC. This movement primarily focuses on labour rights in the garment and sports industries,” a representative stated.
The campaign for justice at the Honeys factory represents not only the grievances of over 400 dismissed workers but also the prolonged legal harassment endured by Daw Myo Aye. It seeks fair treatment and accountability, and activists confirm that they will continue mobilizing efforts in collaboration with CCC networks across Southeast Asia until justice is served.
The Honeys garment factory, located in Mingaladon Township, dismissed over 400 workers. In response, over a thousand workers protested, holding vinyl posters demanding an end to unlawful dismissals, access to legal labour rights, and an end to discriminatory practices. However, 448 of the dismissed workers never received compensation.
