By Min Ni Kyaw - May 23, 2025

Workers at Mai Yi Bei Garment Manufacturing Co. Ltd. said that the factory has been coercing them into working excessive overtime shifts—both day and night—without their consent.

“The employer demands unrealistic production targets. For example, a sewing line is pressured to produce over 60 pieces per hour. Workers forced to do extra hours during the day or overnight if the target isn’t met,” said workers at the factory.

On May 9, labour authorities reportedly conducted an inspection following complaints of excessive overtime. However, workers state that there has been no improvement, and the factory continues to pressure them into extended hours.

The factory operates on a combined piece-rate and daily wage system. Workers report that they lose both their piece-rate earnings and any attendance-based benefits if they take a day off without prior approval. In such cases, total wage loss can amount to around 50,000 MMK for a single missed day. Additionally, workers claim to be fined 10,000 MMK in attendance deductions, if workers leave early for emergencies.

“HR always respond, ‘I can’t do anything. Go complain wherever you want,’ whenever we bring up complaints” one worker said.

Workers also report fines of 3,000 MMK for failing to clock in or out properly. Those stationed on the upper floors say they suffer from severe heat due to poor ventilation and a lack of ceiling fans. Sanitation facilities are also reported to be insufficient and unhygienic.

Moreover, due to overcrowding, some workers are left behind by company transport and must find their own way home, further adding to their financial and physical burden.

Mai Yi Bei Garment Manufacturing Co. Ltd. is a Chinese national-owned garment factory located on Hospital Road in the Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon. The factory employs over 700 workers and manufactures the RESERVED brand.