By Labour Citizen Journalist - Sep 11, 2025
Workers at DONG LONG (Pathein) Garment Factory, located in Ward 13, Pathein Township, Ayeyarwady Region, report facing not only denial of legally entitled leave but also physical abuse by supervisors, according to worker testimonies.
“The supervisor of Line 4, Daw –, hits workers on the head, punches them in the back. She doesn’t speak respectfully and often throws garments at workers. Supervisors demand production targets beyond our capacity at Line 13. If we can’t meet the targets, they deny us water breaks, meal times, and toilet access,” said a worker who asked to remain anonymous.
“When we’re sick and ask for leave, it’s denied, and we are verbally abused. There are no medicines or emergency medical supplies in the first aid kits or infirmary. Some workers don’t claim their legal rights simply because they don’t know them. Those who do try to claim them are scolded. Sometimes we’re too unwell to work, but we still come in. Even then, they refuse to grant gate passes if we ask to leave early.”
“Supervisors and line leaders yell at us even before dawn. Some don’t even call us by name — they use degrading terms. Wages are deducted even when we just make small mistakes. Some line leaders even make offensive personal remarks about workers,” the worker added.
If sewing machines break down, they are not promptly repaired, and instead, workers are shouted at for not meeting production quotas, putting further pressure on them.
“Our break time is not a full 30 minutes. The end-of-day bell doesn’t ring until 6:05 PM but they delay it by five minutes. Phones are collected and not returned during breaks, so we miss important family calls. We are forced to work without consent when there is overtime. Refusing is not allowed we must comply as ordered. We also have to buy our own tools like cutters and gloves.”
Workers say they are experiencing rights violations, denial of leave, verbal abuse, and physical aggression in the workplace. The worker who prefer anonymity is urging the respective brands working with the factory to intervene and take responsibility.
“The female head of security also yells at workers who go to the toilet, shouting and scolding abusively. She treats workers with hostility and favoritism,” another worker at the factory said.
The factory is owned by a Chinese citizen and employs more than 2,000 workers. It manufactures brands including Muji, Mayorl, Golf, and SEM/R. It also operates a branch facility named KUMUDRA (Pathein) nearby, according to sources.
