By Myo Thein - Aug 19, 2025
#Letter
(Unjust practices in leadership, discriminatory treatment and sexual harassments without taking action)
I’m writing this letter to share the unjust practices and discriminatory treatment happening in the Cutting Department of New Plus Garment Factory, where I currently work.
The main issue I want to raise is the behavior of our Chinese supervisor and the factory manager’s lack of responsibility in addressing these problems, which has caused distress among many of us workers.
In particular, the Chinese supervisor in the Cutting Department is clearly showing favoritism. He promoted one female office staff who constantly stays close to him, while demoting a previously responsible and experienced female supervisor.
This new supervisor speaks sweetly only to the Chinese supervisor but frequently yells at and scolds the rest of us.
It’s also obvious that promotions and responsibilities are not based on skills or qualifications but on the supervisor’s personal feelings and, more concerningly, his sexual intentions.
He buys snacks for female workers, gives them money, and engages in inappropriate physical behavior. If a female worker starts dating someone or gets married, he finds faults with her and begins treating her unfairly at work.
We no longer feel safe in our workplace because of all this. Many of us are constantly anxious and emotionally burdened.
Some of us have tried to voice our concerns by writing letters and putting them into the suggestion box. However, the factory manager has taken no action. Instead, we were told to “just listen to whoever the Chinese supervisor appoints.” This completely dismissed our concerns and silenced our voices.
This is no different from turning a blind eye to our rights. The situation became unbearable, and the well-respected and supportive female supervisor, whom we all looked up to, submitted her resignation on August 18.
We’re left feeling disheartened and unsupported with her gone. It’s become impossible to work in peace and feel safe in such an unjust environment.
We are therefore requesting that the responsible authorities within the factory urgently investigate and resolve these issues. We ask for a thorough inquiry into the conduct of the Chinese supervisor and the new supervisor he appointed. We also request the creation of a physically and mentally safe workplace for all employees.
We are employees who genuinely care about the wellbeing of the factory. We trust and hope that those in charge will take responsibility and resolve this matter properly.
Written by – A factory worker
(New Plus Garment Factory is a Chinese-owned factory with over 1,000 workers, the majority of whom are women. The factory is located on Kyauksin Street, in the Thadukan Industrial Zone, Shwepyithar Township, Yangon.)
