By Min Ni Kyaw - May 09, 2025

Workers at Myanmar Jiale Fashion garment factory say they resumed work on May 8 after receiving their April wages on the evening of May 7. The payment delay had led to a work stoppage on May 5, as workers waited for their salaries.

“Everyone received their wages at around 7 p.m. on May 7. So, we returned to work the next day. But even now, we still don’t know who the factory owner is. The factory manager Kevin says it’s not him. He won’t say who the real owner is. That’s why we’re worried— who will take responsibility if something happens?” said workers.

Many workers resigned following the payment. Although it was the first time that they went unpaid for two full days, late payments had occurred before, workers said.

“There aren’t enough workers on the sewing lines anymore. There are empty vacancies. People have lost trust in the factory. We’re still working, but we’re worried the same thing might happen again. Skilled workers who can work anywhere have already left. This is the fourth time in a year that salaries have been paid late. Management always covers it up by calling for extra overtime. But workers have caught on,” they added.

The regular payday is known to be the 5th day of each month. Workers rely on this day to pay rent, dormitory fees, and food expenses. It causes social pressure and financial hardship when they don’t get paid on time, workers said.

Myanmar Jiale Fashion has two factory units—referred to as Factory 1 and Factory 2—and the wage delay affected workers in both units. Salaries were eventually paid to all workers in both locations at the same time, according to them.

The factory, owned by Chinese national, is located near the A Lal Village bus stop, Banmaw Atwinwun Road, Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, and employs around 500 workers.