By Min Ni Kyaw - Apr 22, 2025
Workers at Myanmar San He Textile Printing Factory have reported that the factory failed to provide transportation as promised, instead stating they would be given 20,000 MMK as travel allowance. However, the factory did not pay this amount to most workers. Although an EC employment contract was signed between the factory and workers, the workers say that its terms have been violated.
“They said they wouldn’t provide transportation but would give each person 20,000 kyats as a transport fee at the time of recruitment. Most workers never received that amount. They selectively give it to whoever they want. Worse than that, the owner speaks rudely and aggressively, even when there is a translator present,” workers said.
Myanmar Labour News fact-checked the employment contract of Myanmar San He Factory, under Section 12, and it clearly states that transportation will be arranged. Section 17 (2) requires factory owners to respect and observe workers’ cultural practices. The factory employs around 80 workers, and many report not receiving their full wages.
“When we go to ask for our unpaid wages—10,000, 20,000 kyats—they tell us it’s already been deducted and refuse to pay. They also employ child workers. Workers suffer from burns and skin issues as this is textile printing. The factory takes no responsibility if that happens. We have to go to the clinic on our own, and they deduct wages for the time spent at the clinic,” said a worker.
Workers also said the factory owner assigns unrelated duties such as washing dishes, feeding dogs, bathing dogs, and cleaning the compound and toilets. They are not called to work the following day if a worker cannot do overtime.
“We are forced to work overtime until 7 PM on Sundays. They won’t let us come to work on Monday if we refuse Sunday overtime. They won’t let us enter the factory even if we show up,” another worker explained.
The Myanmar San He textile printing factory is owned by Chinese nationals and is located in the Livestock Zone (5), Shwe Yin Aye Kyaung Road, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, according to workers.
