By Thar Gyi - Jun 16, 2025
Workers at Dong Chen Handbag (Myanmar) Co., Ltd say that the foreign factory manager and supervisors are physically assaulting and verbally abusing workers.
“Our factory manager is worse. He shouts us and hits us physically. Some workers don't say anything anymore—they just cry and quit,” workers said.
Although complaints were made to the factory owner about the manager's physical abuse, the factory reportedly did not take any action, according to the workers.
“The factory manager is a Chinese national. They holds a big cigarette in his hand and throws papers in the faces of clerks and supervisors. They slaps them, hits them with objects and punches as well. There are very few men in the factory. That’s why they acts so aggressively. Even though he behaves this way, he told us, ‘Work if you can and leave if you couldn’t. This is how we are,’” workers explained.
Supervisors are also verbally abusive toward workers in the workplace. Despite complaints to factory management, no action has been taken, and workers say those who complain face increased pressure due to their names being disclosed.
“The supervisor from the cutting department is extremely abusive. Nothing changes even if we complain. We informed HR. They tried to calm us down. Then they went and told the supervisor who made the complaint. They targeted us more once they knew. It got worse,” said one worker.
“Line 3 has a very abusive team—supervisor, clerk, and garment clipping lead. They are extremely harsh. The supervisor from Line 8 is also very harsh. They shout and scold a lot. But we don’t know who to rely on or who to report to,” they said.
Those experiencing physical and verbal abuse may suffer psychological and physical harm, job and financial insecurity, and social consequences, experts warn.
Any form of physical assault in the workplace is considered workplace violence, which is absolutely unacceptable, and it also constitutes a criminal offense and a violation of labor laws, according to labor rights activists.
In addition, legal experts note that responsible parties can be prosecuted under Myanmar's Penal Code and labor laws.
Dong Chen Handbag (Myanmar) Co., Ltd is a handbag manufacturing factory that manufactures international brands including Zera and others. The factory is located on Yawatwinwun U Pho Hlaing Road, Industrial Zone 2, Dagon Seikkan Township, Yangon.
