By Ma Ma - Dec 30, 2024
Workers from New Fubon Garment Factory are being required to work overtime daily until 9 PM without any transport arrangements, leading to health issues and psychological insecurity, as well as commuting difficulties.
The factory, owned by a Chinese national, is located on Pyin Si Min Thar Gyi Road, Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Hlaing Thar Yar Township.
With over 350 workers, the factory operates without a labor union and reportedly engages in labor rights violations while producing garments for the brand “Plus.”
“Overtime has been mandatory throughout the entire month. We’ve been forced to work overtime daily without any ferry services provided since the beginning of the month. No action has been taken despite raising complaints about the lack of transport. This month, we’ve had to work until 9 PM or even 11:30 PM every night. We often encounter security patrols and face harassment, inspections, and questioning after finishing overtime and heading home. The employer doesn’t take any responsibility for our safety. Working overtime every night has started to affect our health. On top of that, they call us in on Sundays, too, without giving us a break. They hold grudges against us if we refuse to work overtime. Additionally, supervisors discriminate against us, and we are subjected to mental pressure,” said a worker at the factory.
Each production line consists of over 30 workers, with a production target of 90 pieces per hour. However, due to the complexity of the garments being sewn, workers have to push themselves to the limit to meet the target.
If targets are not met, workers face increased pressure, and line supervisors not only scold them but also restrict bathroom access. During meal breaks, some workers have to skip their meals to continue sewing garments.
Despite receiving a daily wage of 8,000 kyats (including attendance and allowance bonuses) and a attendance bonus of 30,000 kyats, workers say that they are denied leave, and if they miss even a single day, both the daily wage and attendance bonus are deducted.
Additionally, workers have complained about unhygienic toilets and poor access to medical facilities at the factory. Although these issues were raised with the employer, no action has been taken to address them.
The workers, who have concerns regarding conscription news are now calling for a reduction in mandatory overtime, the granting of legally entitled leave, and improvements to the working conditions at the factory.
