Myo Thein
January 12, 2026

More than 300 workers from the Golden Five Myanmar Co., Ltd garment factory have been continuing their demands for six consecutive days, including calls for equal pay and wage increases, according to workers at the factory.

“The demands started on 7 January. Workers from departments other than sewing are the ones making the demands. We are facing wage discrimination. Our wages are low, and on holidays the daily wage is reduced,” a female worker said.

Although more than 400 workers initially took part when the demands first began, more than 300 workers are currently continuing the protest, sources said.

Negotiations were held last Saturday, but workers did not accept the outcomes, according to one worker.

“They said there were results, but we don’t clearly know what they are. We haven’t agreed to anything yet, and we are still making demands,” the worker said.

The workers are demanding an increase in the daily wage from 11,500 kyats to 12,000 kyats, payment of the full designated daily wage on holidays, an increase of 20,000 kyats in skill allowances, clear and precise classification of skill allowances, equal daily wages for workers from other departments, an end to being forced to work without overtime pay, the provision of ferry transportation, and sufficient dining hall facilities for workers.

Workers said that although negotiations are ongoing among worker representatives, the factory’s WCC group, the employer, and officials from the Department of Labour, no agreement has yet been reached.

Golden Five Myanmar Co., Ltd operates a garment factory on Mya Kyun Thar Road, Mya Sein Yaung Industrial Zone, Hlaingtharyar Township, employing more than 600 workers. The factory is owned by Chinese citizen and is currently manufacturing the Workman Colors brand.