Myo Thein
March 14, 2026
Workers say that Dishang Fashion (Myanmar) garment factory is forcing employees to work make-up days for two Thingyan holidays, as the factory will be closed from April 10 to April 20 during the Thingyan period.
“The make-up days are set for March 15 and 29, which fall on Sundays. We are losing overtime pay and also not getting rest days. That’s why we refused to work,” a worker said.
Although workers had informed in advance that they could not work the substitute days, line supervisors and supervisors pressured them to sign agreements. In some departments, workers said they were repeatedly pressured until they signed.
“Some workers chose not to sign because they want to take the Thingyan holidays as scheduled and do not want to work substitute days,” another worker said.
Workers also submitted alternative arrangements for making up the holidays to the Workplace Coordination Committee (WCC), but were reportedly pressured to work only on the designated Sundays.
“We proposed counting a half-day Saturday shift as one substitute day, or paying Sunday work at overtime rates, or deducting the make-up days from regular overtime hours. None of it was accepted. The WCC is acting like the employer,” a worker said.
Workers also said there have been past reports that WCC members at the factory received financial support, and that such support is still ongoing. In addition, the factory has appointed three Code of Conduct (CoC) staff responsible for ensuring compliance with labor laws.
Workers said the relevant labor department has stated that complaints can be filed if wages are deducted for not working substitute days during the Thingyan holidays.
“Officials have said that we have the right not to work substitute days for holidays, and that we can file complaints if wages are deducted for not doing so,” a worker said.
Dishang Fashion (Myanmar) Co., Ltd garment factory is located on Min Gyi Maha Min Khaung Road, Shwe Than Lwin Industrial Zone, Hlaingtharyar Township, Yangon. The factory is Chinese-owned and employs over 900 workers, manufacturing garments for brands including ONLY, Pimkie, First Down, Java, a.v.v, niko and…, and Field Gear Club, according to workers.
