By Yoon Sat - Mar 31, 2025

Five workers from Myanmar Shuang Long raincoat factory, were dismissed after filing complaints about labor rights violations, according to the Solidarity of Trade Union Myanmar (STUM). The dismissals occurred while dispute resolution was still underway.

“This dismissal happened in the middle of the dispute resolution process. It’s not only intimidation but also an additional violation. Labor offices ALIN, ALAR, LMF, and ALSH have accepted the workers’ complaints, and unions are closely watching how the authorities will respond. STUM will continue to provide legal support,” STUM stated on its social media.

Eight workers were detained from their residences on accusations of theft on March 25. They were taken by ward authorities, including some in military uniform, who threatened conscription if the workers contacted outside organizations. They were later released the same night.

Among those detained, five workers who had filed the initial complaints were officially dismissed by the factory on March 28. The factory accused them of violating rules, inciting unrest, not fulfilling duties, arguing with coworkers, using phones, sleeping on the job, and lacking qualifications.

Workers had previously reported violations such as the factory’s failure to provide EC contracts, not contributing to social security, forcing overtime during holidays without pay, and demoting workers who refused overtime. The Ministry of Labour had received these complaints.

STUM has strongly condemned the employer’s use of intimidation, unlawful detention, and dismissals without due process during an ongoing complaint process.