By Nay Chi - Jan 09, 2024
Workers from Great Glowing Investment (JW) (ADK) garment factory which locates in Zay Kabbar Yard, Mingalar Done Township, Yangon Division say that there are violations of labor rights at the workplace, including the absence of statutory holidays and forced overtime without their consents.
The workers who work in the workplace are not entitled to casual, seniority and medical leaves which are entitled in 1951 Leave and Working Holidays Act.
In this factory casual, seniority and medical leaves which are entitled in 1951 Leave and Working Holidays Act by Labor Guidance are not enjoyable. They gave maternity leave. But for an emergency leave, HR scolds the family of the worker who took it even the super leader approve it. We can’t take leave even if there is a family bereavement and even if we are temporarily disabled due to a workplace injury, we have to come to work wearing a plaster cast. Furthermore, the super leader swear us rudely and physically assault such as knocking the head, throwing with things, twisting the thighs and beating the back. Those who are not comfortable with the Super Leaders are discriminated against by being moved to multiple lines and not given bonuses," said a worker at the factory.
The worker said that as they are not entitled to casual leave, 6,000 kyats of daily wage and 15,000 kyats of attendance bonus are cut for missing a day, resulting in a total cut of 21,000 kyats.
The worker said that in the workplace, the supervisors, such as supers and leaders, not only swear and scream at them but also physically assaulted them often.
In addition, the worker said that there is difficult for reporting other violations such as no medicine provided for emergency injury, forced collection of money for other issues and forced to working overtime without giving a break.
At least 2,000 kyats is deducted for just losing a screw. If we accidently put other fabrics in the AC, 200 kyats will be deducted for each step. The factory has poor ventilation, uneven heat and cold, and if there is an emergency injury, there are no medicine boxes. The medicine boxes are only kept when inspectors come for inspection. When they go back, they announce over the microphone to take back the medicine boxes. Female workers are forced to carry large items of fabric up and down the stairs. They forcefully collect money if there is supers and leaders’ children birthday that we can’t refuse. We have to work overtime from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., without a break. In the EC contract, they agreed to give us half an hour break, but in fact they don't give them a break, so we have to work continuously. We are sworn for not working overtime despite without asking our consents. All night overtimes are also called frequently. They swear us even if we take a leave for health issues,” said a worker.
The factory which is owned by a Chinese national has a workforce of around 5,000 and it is known for manufacturing Hang Ten and ZARA brands and exporting German, Chinese, and Japanese fabrics.
In July 2022, more than 2,000 workers strike a collective demand as they were not allowed to enjoy legal rights, being demanded excessive clothing standards, and being violated workplace rights.
