By Myo Thein
Feb 17, 2026
Workers at Myanmar Yangon Richang Apparel Co., Ltd (Nisho) say they are required to work not only regular overtime but also late-night and overnight shifts, according to statements made to the Industrial Workers’ Federation of Myanmar (IWFM).
“Regular overtime is three hours per day. Workers have to work until midnight from Monday to Friday. In addition, on Saturdays and Sundays, they are assigned overnight shifts,” an IWFM official said.
Employees report that overtime is mandatory and, over time, has led to sleep deprivation and declining health. As workers spend more on healthcare, their take-home pay is further reduced.
“When overtime increases, we feel dizzy and exhausted. We get sick frequently. The overtime pay is very low. There’s nothing left fter spending money on food and healthcare,” a worker told Myanmar Labour News.
Workers also allege that children aged 13 to 15 are being hired as “trainees.” Even after completing three months of service, they are not confirmed as permanent employees and are required to work overtime like other workers.
“They recruit many child workers aged 13, 14, and 15 as trainees. Both daily-wage workers and children have to work overtime. Refusing isn’t an option. Even after three months, they remain daily-wage workers without any rights,” a worker said.
According to employees, legally mandated leave and social security medical leave are not granted. Absences are recorded as unpaid leave, and benefits are deducted.
“We don’t get leave. They mark it as absence and deduct 11,000 kyats for daily wages and 40,000 kyats for attendance bonuses, along with other benefits if we miss a day. Gate passes are difficult to obtain, even in emergencies. We suffer all the losses,” workers said.
Workers also complain that the factory cafeteria lacks sufficient seating, forcing employees to sit on the floor while eating. They say management has not addressed the issue.
Myanmar Yangon Richang Apparel Co., Ltd (Nisho) is a Chinese citizen-owned factory located on U Yaypaw Road in Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Hlaingtharyar Township, Yangon. Approximately 800 workers are employed at the factory, which currently produces garments under the American Holic and Calelf Class brands.
