By Thar Gyi - Jun 10, 2025
Ko Yarzar Htun, a worker from ETEC factory who participated in recent wage protests, was arrested by plainclothes individuals and local authorities, according to sources close to the incident.
Ko Yarzar Htun, who was working as an operator at the factory, was taken from his home late at night around 11 p.m. by four individuals — including the Ward 26 Administrator and Sa Ya Pha officers — according to witnesses.
Workers said Ko Yarzar Htun helped distinguishing between those who accepted and those who rejected the proposed resolution.
“There are CCTV cameras inside the factory. They might have used that footage to accuse him of inciting protests. It’s likely the factory had a role in this. They even asked about phone numbers, including that of meditation team member U Zaw Zaw Aung — this makes it look like collaboration with the factory,” another worker explained.
The arrest came after negotiations between factory management and workers were held at the Industrial Zone Committee Office on June 9, which were said to have ended on a conciliatory note.
ETEC is located in Yauk Kaw Road, South Dagon Industrial Zone, and shares the same premises with the EI factory. Both factories manufacture electronic products and their workers jointly participated in the wage protests.
The protests initially began on June 2, with a second round of demonstrations held on June 4 after workers rejected the first negotiation outcomes. Workers from both ETEC and EI factories then continued their demands for an increase in daily wages.
