By Min Ni Kyaw - Feb 10, 2025
#Letter
This is from Qing min Factory in Manxi City.
Labor representatives came to the factory the first time news was reported, and they told workers not to post about their struggles online. They said we should negotiate with them if anything happened. But now, things are the same as before. There is no improvement.
Things will only get worse from the factory’s side if we don’t post about the suffering of workers. Who will know what workers are going through? No one dares to file complaints because they are afraid of losing their jobs.
The factory's management has not made things any better for workers. Even basic needs like food arrangements are not convenient. There aren’t enough places for washing hands or washing dishes.
The hourly target was 50 pieces before. Now, it has increased to 60 pieces per hour.
Management promised to give Sundays off when labor representatives inspected the factory.
But now, they are not keeping their word. The unrealistic production targets make it hard for line workers.
Additionally, wage grades are unfairly given. Salaries are low, and production targets are inconsistent. The factory initially promised to give Sundays off every week, but now, they are not honoring their promise.
Workers are forced to stay for overtime until 11 PM or even midnight without OT pay If production targets are not met. Workers are exhausted, and facing lack of sleep. They are forced to work even when they are sick.
Now, no one wants to work overtime without OT pay. The line supervisors threaten to deduct 100 from their wages if a worker refuse OT.
Chinese supervisors don’t know about these issues. The line supervisors, sub-supervisors, and interpreters verbally abuse workers. The forced overtime at night is unbearable.
Workers are not allowed to leave if production targets are not met. The factory does not recognize Saturdays or Sundays.
Normally, workers finish at 6:30 PM, but now, they are not allowed to leave if targets are not met.
We want the labor representatives to ensure that the promises made by factory management are kept.
