By Thar Gyi - Jun 09, 2025

Workers at the Myanmar Ju Chuan shoe factory say that management unilaterally set attendance-based wages without consulting them. According to the workers, the decision was made in collaboration with WCC members appointed by the factory and department supervisors.

“They didn’t ask for any workers’ inputs. Supervisors just signed off, and only after it was finalized were we informed. 1,200 kyats increase means nothing for us. Everyone knows most factories are now giving at least 11,500 kyats as the daily wage,” said a female worker.

The factory raised the daily wage from 7,800 kyats to 9,000 kyats, 1,200 kyats increase. Workers claim the WCC members involved in the decision-making were selected and endorsed by the factory, and therefore did not represent the workforce.

“The factory-appointed WCC members and supervisors signed the agreement among themselves. This WCC was formed by the factory. It’s said that the factory even bribed them. They don’t represent the us at all,” one worker said.

Workers say management is restricting and controlling sewing workers at the meeting although many of them want to reject the new wage and continue demanding a higher rate.

“They only talk about the increase. The full 40,000 kyats attendance bonus is cut if we miss one day due to illness. We don’t get any leave, not even sick leave. The full attendance bonus is docked even if we leave the factory at 11 AM with permission. All we want is for management to ask workers what they actually want. We could leave if we’re not happy with the pay,” another worker explained.

Myanmar Ju Chuan is a Chinese national-owned shoe factory operating two facilities on Min Ayar Road, Shwe Than Lwin Industrial Zone, Hlaingthaya Township, according to the workers.