By Myo Thein - Oct 16, 2025
Workers at the Chinese citizen-owned GTIG HUBO INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD garment factory have reported to the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) that they are being pressured to meet unreasonable production quotas, verbally abused on the factory floor, and denied basic entitlements.
“One sewing line with about 40 people is forced to sew over 40 pieces per hour. The quota they demand is impossible. The fabrics, like denim and corduroy, are thick and difficult to work with. If we can’t meet the quota, they call us mid night and overnight overtimes. If we refuse, the supervisors yell at us and force us to sign confession letters,” explained one worker.
Workers say they are being assigned to sew thick and challenging fabrics like denim under extreme production expectations set by the employer, which they claim are unfair.
Although the factory pays a daily rate of MMK 11,500 in daily wage and MMK 40,000 for attendance bonus, workers report that they are being denied leave, medical leave, and related entitlements.
“All the legal leave and benefits we should get are cut. Even when we are granted leave, it’s unpaid. There is no personal leave; everything is deducted. We can lose more than MMK 30,000 f we miss work for a day,” a worker stated.
Despite the presence of a WCC (Worker Coordination Committee) and COC (Code of Conduct) representatives, abuses continue in the workplace, and victims are being forced by the factory to sign warning letters, according to the workers.
“One supervisor physically assaulted a returning worker. When it was reported to the office, even the victim though innocent was made to sign a confession letter. The WCC, COC, and employer all agreed that both parties must sign. So, we were forced to,” said the workers.
Workers also report being pressured and documented through photos while working, and when they objected to being photographed, the factory owner reportedly responded, “These are our factory workers; we have the right to take photos.”
In September, workers submitted a proposal through a suggestion box requesting the provision of personal and sick leave, and an additional MMK 3,000 meal allowance plus MMK 2,000 transportation fee for overnight overtime shifts. However, the employer rejected their requests.
Additionally, workers say they are facing poor conditions regarding drinking water and toilet sanitation within the workplace.
The GTIG HUBO INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD factory is manufacturing garments for the Denmark-based BESTSELLER Group's Only brand and the Poland-based LPP Group's Reserved brand. The factory is Chinese citizen-owned.
The factory is located on Min Bandu Phaya Road in the Watayar Industrial Zone, Shwepyithar Township, and employs over 800 workers, according to the workers.
