By Myo Thein - Sep 15, 2025
#LetterI’m a worker from Mengyue Garment.
We are currently made to work overnight almost every Saturday — either Midnight or Overnight shifts. But even when they say it’s Midnight shift they sometimes call us for Overnight shift too, with no clear distinction.
Now, not only are we having to work, but during night overtime shifts, the supervisors and superiors are asking for hourly (production targets) in an exaggerated and excessive manner. We’re constantly pressured, every single hour, and with that kind of stress during night shifts, how can we possibly manage?
If we can’t meet the targets, we’re yelled at and insulted by the supervisors. This is clearly a violation of labor laws.
The name of the supervisor who abuses workers is Tin Tin Hla, sir. On public holidays, we are made to work without pay.
They say everything is calculated with a point-card system, but Tin Tin Hla and her circle reward those they get along with by increasing their point values, while those who actually achieve two or three real points are paid nothing for it, sir.
Now, they collected 5,000 kyats for each 5,000 MMK for the Chinese supervisor, 5,000 MMK for the assistant supervisor, and 5,000 MMK for the main supervisor totaling 15,000 kyats from each worker for an offering ceremony without asking us whether we agreed or not. They just took the money.
Despite collecting that for the offering, Tin Tin Hla and the assistant supervisor are the same ones who verbally abuse and threaten workers when they ask for leave due to illness or other valid reasons.
Those who participated in the ceremony factory managers, interpreters — their treatment of workers doesn’t align with proper workplace discipline. Their speech is rude, threatening, and often ends with “If you can’t follow orders, then quit.”
We’ve already reported this to the Labour Officer of East Hlaingtharyar Township, but nothing effective has been done. There were no warnings or actions taken against the factory. Honestly, it feels like the labour officers are involved in corruption.
Regarding wages, other factories are already paying 11,000 or 12,000 MMK, but at our factory, we still haven’t reached even 9,800 MMK. And we don’t get the full amount for every working day. We’re only paid 6,800 MMK per day For holidays.
As for overtime wages, most factories in Hlaing Tharyar now pay 2,000 / 2,200 / 2,500 MMK per hour, with 2,000 being the minimum. But at our factory, it hasn’t even gone above 1,700 MMK. They give low overtime pay while pushing us to do more and more work.
The wages we currently get are not keeping up with inflation. Our rights and entitlements are being blocked. Even when we request leave under legitimate grounds, we are verbally abused.
They demand such high hourly production that we don’t even get time to use the restroom. We are forced to work beyond our capacity.
Because of the pressure and the low wages, many workers have become frustrated and resigned.
That’s why I’m asking the labour officers from East Hlaingtharyar Township to take their responsibilities seriously and act accordingly.
The address of Mengyue Garment is Plot No. 396, Myataungwungyi U Mho Road, Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, East Hlaingtharyar Township.
Thank you.
May Myanmar Labour News continue to succeed and help workers even more.
