By Min Ni Kyaw - May 28, 2025

GTIG HUBO Industrial Co., Ltd (Myanmar) garment factory dismissed a pregnant worker for requesting maternity leave, and is forcing workers into excessive overtime under threat, according to workers and the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM).

“In May, a pregnant worker who had only been employed for six months was told by the female interpreter-manager that the factory doesn’t allow maternity leave. She was then forced to quit,” said a worker.

Workers also report being pressured to meet unreasonably high production targets. The factory demands over 40 pieces of denim and corduroy garments per hour for one of the sewing lines with about 40 workers, —targets workers say are unrealistic.

“They force us into OT during evenings and nights if we can’t meet the targets. The interpreter-manager calls us into the office and threatens us if we can’t comply. She says we’ll be made to write reprimand letters if we don’t comply and we won’t be given ferry transportation. Complaining to labour offices hasn’t helped. The manager says she doesn’t care where we report,” said another worker.

Workers also say that raising complaints with the female interpreter-manager, supervisors, or line leaders results in threats of being forced to write confession letters. Additionally, they claim the interpreter-manager has threatened to act against any protests or demands from workers.

Workers say they are misled by management even though officials including the Shwepyithar Township Minister occasionally inspect the factory and said 400,000 kyats salary after working mid-night and all-night overtime is well paid.

 “The minister asked how much we earn. We said we have to do overtime every evening and night just to earn 400,000 kyats per month. He responded that 400,000 kyats isn’t bad. But for us, it’s not enough to cover dorm rent and food,” one worker explained.

Workers also report wage deductions of over 40,000 kyats for taking even a single day off, without receiving any of the legally required leave. They are provided only unhygienic water, and line supervisors and leaders are verbally abusive. Workers say the interpreter-manager responded even more harshly when they complained.

GTIG HUBO Industrial Co., Ltd (Myanmar) is a Chinese national-owned garment factory located on Min Bandu Phaya Road, Watayar Industrial Zone, Shwepyithar Township, Yangon. The factory employs over 1,000 workers, manufacturing ONLY, RESERVED, and Functionality makes your life comfortable brands.