By Min Ni Kyaw - Mar 27, 2025

Workers at Preclo Myanmar Co., Ltd garment factory say the management is forcing them to work overtime, including on Sundays, through threats and coercion. Those who refuse are reportedly downgraded in their skill grade.

“They force workers to do Sunday overtime by picking people. The supervisors and 'all-super' talk harshly and reduce the grade if someone refuses. When called for overtime, they don’t arrange ferry pickups. Daily overtime runs until 7 p.m., and during all-night shifts, we get only a one-hour break. No meals are provided. We work until midnight and sleep at the factory if the work isn’t finished. Mosquitoes bite badly after lights go off. We feel scared and uneasy, so no one can sleep properly. For all-night shifts, we return home around 5 a.m. on our own,” workers said.

Supervisors reportedly speak aggressively if production targets are not met. Workers also report not receiving casual leave, and the factory does not provide a copy of the EC contract.

“The factory took back the EC contract. They don’t allow casual leave. We don’t get legally entitled leave. Even if we don’t want to work overtime or all-night shifts, we’re forced to. Grade cuts mean wage deductions at month’s end,” a worker said.

According to workers, the factory’s WCC (Workplace Coordination Committee) was not elected by the workers. Instead, the factory posted names on the wall to prepare for inspections, so the committee does not represent them or negotiate on their behalf.

Preclo Myanmar Co., Ltd is located in the Extended Industrial Road 1, Shwe Pyi Thar Industrial Zone 1, Yangon. The Chinese national-owned factory employs around 1,000 workers and reportedly manufactures AIRCRAFT and BURTLE brand garments.