Myo Thein
Jan 29, 2026
#Letter
We are workers from LZS APPAREL CO., LTD garment factory. The factory is located on Thanlwin Road, Shwe Thanlwin Industrial Zone, Yangon. It is commonly known as the LZS four-storey factory.
We are submitting this detailed complaint so that the public and responsible authorities are aware of the labour law violations and exploitation being carried out by the current Korean factory manager.
1. Breaking promises of wage increases and making unilateral deductions
In the first month, payslips were even issued indicating wage increases for clerks, supervisors, and leaders. However, just before wages were paid out, the factory manager unilaterally decided not to increase the wages of clerks. This reduction in wages was carried out according to his own will, without consulting worker representatives or WCC members.
2. Forcibly changing the wage system to the detriment of workers
Previously, we were able to work smoothly under the piece-rate system. Now, at a time when there are fewer orders and no overtime, the factory has forcibly changed the system, saying, “We can no longer pay piece rates and will pay only daily wages and overtime pay.” Although workers tried to negotiate to continue the piece-rate system until after the Thingyan period, we were told, “If you cannot accept it, submit your resignation,” using psychological threats to pressure us into leaving our jobs.
3. Exploitation of overtime (OT) pay and illegal deductions
It has been officially announced that piece-rate workers will not be paid a single kyat of overtime pay even if they work more than six hours of OT. Even when we work All Line or All Night overtime, no OT pay is given. When supervisors and leaders raised this issue, they were further threatened with illegal deductions, being told, “If there are days when you work only four hours because there is little work, the remaining two hours will be deducted from your basic salary.”
4. Offsetting factory-initiated holidays against workers’ overtime
The factory closes on Saturdays and Sundays when there are no orders. However, the overtime hours that workers previously worked are then cancelled and offset against these closure days. These holidays were not requested by workers; they were closed solely because the factory had no orders.
5. Unfair deductions of daily wages and attendance bonuses
Previously, we were paid a daily wage of 10,300 kyats and holiday pay of 7,800 kyats. Now, although the factory says it will pay 10,300 kyats inclusive of holidays, if we miss even one day, our daily wage of 10,300 kyats and an attendance bonus of 40,000 kyats are deducted. In addition, holiday pay is also reduced at a rate of 7,800 kyats, placing workers under extreme pressure.
Area-Supervisor Khin Mar Wai (also known as Htwe Htwe) ignores the losses suffered by workers and says, “You must follow what the factory manager arranges. Those who cannot comply should quit.”
The factory manager has also said that workers’ grade pay will be increased once every six months. However, the current manager keeps changing wage structures in various ways, and wage exploitation continues repeatedly.
The factory manager has stated that if we take a gate pass three times, or are late three times, our attendance bonus of 40,000 kyats will be deducted. There is also constant discrimination between sewing line workers and workers from other sections. When factory announcements are made, other sections are consistently excluded.
We earnestly request that the relevant authorities investigate, take action, and provide assistance as the above issues constitute blatant abuse and violation of workers’ rights.
