By Myo Thein - Oct 19, 2025
More than 100 workers at Xing Yuan (Myanmar) garment factory were reportedly sent home without transportation or travel allowances after failing to meet production quotas, according to workers speaking to the media.
“They said we didn’t meet the production quota, so they didn’t call for overtime and just sent us home,” said one worker.
The factory, a Chinese citizen-owned operation producing garments for Japanese brands, employs around 1,000 workers. Workers stated that due to a recent shift in production to Japanese garment standards, which require stricter quality and output levels, many were unable to meet the new targets.
“Over 100 workers were sent home. Our shift ended at 4:30 p.m., but they made us work until 6:30 p.m. without overtime pay, and then sent us home saying quotas weren’t met. The Watayar Industrial Zone is far and lacks regular transportation. We had to pay our own way home, which was very difficult,” said workers.
Those commuting from remote areas such as Htauk Kyant and Hmawbi reportedly faced major inconvenience and had to pay extra costs for ferry rides and connecting transport.
In addition to these financial burdens, workers said that the factory manager admitted to not paying OT for the extra hours worked.
“Some line supervisors kept workers with the same ferry route until 8:30 p.m., and they didn’t get overtime either. The manager accepted this when we raised the issue,” they said.
Workers also reported that the factory denies them their legally entitled leave and instead cuts both piece-rate and skilled worker bonuses when they miss work even with valid reasons. They added that the factory clinic lacks sufficient medicine and that workers are forced to perform unrelated tasks such as cleaning or nurse duties. Moreover, workers have not been provided with copies of their EC contracts.
Xing Yuan (Myanmar) garment factory is located in the Watayar Industrial Zone of Shwepyithar Township, Yangon Region, and is reportedly producing garments for the STUDIO brand.
