Severe Social and Human Rights Violations (Or) Report on Labour Rights Abuses in 2025 August

Myanmar Labour Society has reviewed labour rights violation news published throughout August on the Myanmar Labour News website and various social media platforms. The findings indicate that the most prevalent issues within workplaces were severe violations related to social rights and human rights.

A total of 43 reports on violations of labour laws and rights were published during August, involving 37 factories. Among them, 4 factories were featured in reports more than once.

The factories mentioned in the reports span across garment, bag, wool, headwear, footwear, and laundry sectors. The majority of the violations occurred in CMP factories, which are a key contributor to the country's GDP.

The reports published on Myanmar Labour News are based on information sent by labour unions, labour rights activists, journalists, and workers themselves. Reports lacking verification, such as anonymous claims or unverifiable details from non-stakeholders, were excluded. As such, the number of actual workplace violations is likely higher than those officially recorded.

In its review, Myanmar Labour Society differentiated between violations of Myanmar labour laws, ILO standards, and human rights norms. A total of 26 categories were used in the analysis, and the Society found that violations occurred in 20 of those categories during the month of August.

Graph 1

Factories and products reported in August 2025

Verbal Abuse and Coercion

As outlined, the most frequent type of violation documented during the month was verbal abuse and coercive behaviour in the workplace.

These incidents predominantly occurred when production targets especially in garment factories were enforced aggressively. The perpetrators of such abuse were identified as factory managers, production managers, line supervisors, supervisors and line leaders, all of whom hold supervisory or managerial positions.

This type of verbal aggression and coercion in the workplace constitutes a violation of international labour standards as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), as well as human rights norms and Myanmar labour law provisions. Such behaviors leads to significant psychological stress, mental pressure, and dignity-related harm for workers.

These incidents were primarily reported in garment and knitting factories, especially within the cut-make-pack (CMP) sector. In one case, a male line supervisor at T.M.A Co., Ltd was reported to have verbally abused female workers. Reports included physical misconduct in addition to verbal abuse at Dishang Fashion (Myanmar).

A total of 21 factories were identified as having committed such violations. Compared to the 37 factories implicated in August, this accounts for over 50% which is a significant proportion.

Anhui Top Myanmar Co., Ltd, Casico Garment Limited, Chai Moon Sports (Myanmar), Dishang Fashion (Myanmar), Golden Tri-Light Myanmar Co., Ltd, J&F Myanmar LNY Caps, Lesmart (Myanmar) Apparel, Lita Myanmar Co., Ltd, Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion, Myanto Industrial Co., Ltd, New Plus, Qianshi Industrial Limited, SDI Manufacturing, Shun Yu Myanmar Garment Co., Ltd, Sky Fashion Myanmar Co., Ltd, T.M.A Co., Ltd, Teng Hui Myanmar Knitting, Tianjin Fashion Milestone Co., Ltd, Victor House and Wan Xin Myanmar Co., Ltd were named in connection with verbal abuse and coercive treatment

Graph 2

Forced Overtime and Wage Deductions

This issue was found to be one of the most extensively reported categories in the August findings. It also ranked among the most frequently occurring types of violations.

There were up to 20 factories found to be forcing workers into overtime, with the majority being garment factories.

Forms of forced overtime included threats of wage deductions, demotions in performance ratings, or dismissal for refusing overtime. There were also instances of requiring workers to sign in for rest-day overtime under pressure, and not fully paying the proper overtime wages. These practices were pointed out by labour rights defenders as unlawful and coercive.

The factories identified in this category were Anhui Top Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Casico Garment Limited, Chai Moon Sports (Myanmar), Chi Mei Garment, Dishang Fashion (Myanmar), Golden Tri-Light Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Lat War 3 Co.,Ltd, Lita Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion, Myanmar S.Flamingo Garment, New Plus, Qianshi Industrial Limited, Shun Yu Myanmar Garment Co.,Ltd, Shwe Myinn Co.,Ltd Washing Fact, Sunrise Garment, T.M.A Co.,Ltd, Tech-wear (BonTech), Teng Hui Myanmar Knitting, Tianjin Fashion Milestone Co.,Ltd, Wan Xin Myanmar Co.,Ltd.

Almost all of the factories listed above are garment factories, with one laundry facility included.

Up to 21 factories were found to be carrying out such practices for wage deductions. This accounts for over 50 percent of the factories reported in August.

These factories include Anhui Top Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Casico Garment Limited, Chi Mei Garment, Golden Tri-Light Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Jian Yi Garment, Lat War 3 Co.,Ltd, Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion, Myanmar S.Flamingo Garment, Myanto Industrial CO.Ltd, New Jin Lin Garment Co,Ltd, New Plus, SDI Manufacturing, Sioen Myanmar, Sky Fashion Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Sudey, Tech-wear (BonTech), Teng Hui Myanmar Knitting, Tianjin Fashion Milestone Co.,Ltd, Victor House, Wan Xin Myanmar Co.,Ltd, XIN YUAN FU ZHUANG.

The deductions were made based on reasons such as taking leave, being late to work, missing a day, or failing to meet production targets. Wage deductions have made it increasingly difficult for workers to sustain themselves and have also contributed to higher labour turnover and mobility in the time of low wages and rising costs of living.

Coercion and Threats

There were 21 reports of coercion and threats documented, involving a total of 20 factories.

Labour rights experts have classified such coercive and threatening practices as forms of forced labour.

There were multiple cases in which workers were made to sign in and perform overtime under pressure and without consent during August. This included denying rest days, treating workers without dignity or humanity, issuing verbal threats, and compelling workers to sign in under pressure for the sake of increasing production efficiency without regard for rest, well-being, or health. Additional cases involved calling the police or thugs to intimidate workers, excessive surveillance, and restrictions on snack breaks.

These incidents were found at the following factories: Anhui Top Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Casico Garment Limited, Chai Moon Sports (Myanmar), Chi Mei Garment, Dishang Fashion (Myanmar), Golden Tri-Light Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Great Glowin (JW), Glowin & Win (ADK), Jian Yi Garment, Lita Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion, Myanto Industrial CO.Ltd, Shun Yu Myanmar Garment Co.,Ltd, Shwe Myinn Co.,Ltd Washing Fact, Sioen Myanmar, Sky Fashion Myanmar Co.,Ltd, T.M.A Co.,Ltd, Teng Hui Myanmar Knitting, Victor House, Wan Xin Myanmar Co.,Ltd, XIN YUAN FU ZHUANG.

Denial of Legal Leave Entitlements and Forced Quotas

Although legal leave entitlements are clearly stipulated in Myanmar’s labour laws, nearly all factories fail to comply. Leave and associated entitlements are also strictly codified in the laws of countries around the world and widely respected.

Violations relating to leave entitlements include denial of seniority leave, urgent leave, maternity leave, and sick leave, or making them extremely difficult to access. There were also cases of discriminatory practices where only close associates of supervisors were granted leave. Deductions from wages and attendance bonuses for taking legally entitled leave were also common. In some cases, pregnant workers were denied maternity leave and even dismissed from their jobs, which constitutes a serious violation.

Myanmar workers regularly contribute to social security funds, yet many are unable to access benefits like sick leave or maternity leave, resulting in significant personal and financial losses.

A total of 18 reports were documented in this category, involving 17 factories. These factories include Anhui Top Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Golden Tri-Light Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Jian Yi Garment, Lat War 3 Co.,Ltd, Lesmart (Myanmar) Apparel, Lita Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion, Myanto Industrial CO.Ltd, New Jin Lin Garment Co.,Ltd, Qianshi Industrial Limited, Shun Yu Myanmar Garment Co.,Ltd, Sky Fashion Myanmar Co.,Ltd, T.M.A Co.,Ltd, Teng Hui Myanmar Knitting, Tianjin Fashion Milestone Co.,Ltd, Wan Xin Myanmar Co.,Ltd, and Yangon Oscar.

Forced Production Quotas

The imposition of forced production quotas falls under the category of forced labour. This practice results in workers being compelled to work overtime even when they do not wish to, simply to meet the target. Fearing wage deductions for failing to meet production targets, workers are forced to put in extra work under pressure.

In general, Myanmar workers are most frequently subjected to verbal abuse and threats. These cases have also extended to workers being forced to work overtime without receiving overtime pay.

There were 18 reports of forced production quotas, involving 17 factories during August. These factories include Anhui Top Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Chai Moon Sports (Myanmar), Dishang Fashion (Myanmar), Golden Tri-Light Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Jian Yi Garment, Lesmart (Myanmar) Apparel, Lita Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion, Myanto Industrial CO.Ltd, Qianshi Industrial Limited, Sky Fashion Myanmar Co.,Ltd, T.M.A Co.,Ltd, Teng Hui Myanmar Knitting, Tianjin Fashion Milestone Co.,Ltd, Victor House, Wan Xin Myanmar Co.,Ltd, and XIN YUAN FU ZHUANG.

Lack of a Safe Work Environment

A total of 18 reports were documented stating that workplaces lacked adequate safety and health conditions. These reports involved 17 factories.

Reported conditions include malfunctioning forklifts, poor ventilation, extreme heat, non-functioning fans, fire hazards, absence of medical rooms and nurses, lack of medicines, inadequate access to clean drinking water, unsanitary or insufficient toilets, and cramped or unavailable transport for workers.

The factories mentioned in this category include Golden Tri-Light Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Great Glowin (JW), Glowin & Win (ADK), Hope One, Jian Yi Garment, Lesmart (Myanmar) Apparel, Lita Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Mila Garden Company, Qianshi Industrial Limited, SDI Manufacturing, Shun Yu Myanmar Garment Co.,Ltd, Shwe Myinn Co.,Ltd Washing Fact, Sudey, Sunrise Garment, Tianjin Fashion Milestone Co.,Ltd, Wan Xin Myanmar Co.,Ltd, and XIN YUAN FU ZHUANG.

Discriminatory Treatment

The documented cases of discriminatory treatment in the workplace include unequal pay, unfair promotion opportunities, and biased distribution of performance-based bonuses in the reports published throughout August. Additionally, workers reported being verbally abused, treated harshly, subjected to invasive physical inspections, and exposed to gender-based harassment. Requests for necessary workplace improvements were ignored, WCC members faced pressure, and workers who raised concerns were intimidated or dismissed.

A total of 16 reports were identified relating to discriminatory treatment, involving 15 factories. These factories are Anhui Top Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Casico Garment Limited, Chai Moon Sports (Myanmar), Dishang Fashion (Myanmar), Great Glowin (JW), Glowin & Win (ADK), J&F Myanmar LNY Caps, Lesmart (Myanmar) Apparel, New Plus, Qianshi Industrial Limited, Shun Yu Myanmar Garment Co.,Ltd, Sky Fashion Myanmar Co.,Ltd, T.M.A Co.,Ltd, Tianjin Fashion Milestone Co.,Ltd, Victor House, and XIN YUAN FU ZHUANG.

Dismissals

Dismissals are required to follow a defined procedural process under Myanmar labour law, . However, the reports from August reveal numerous violations: dismissals without compensation under the pretext of workforce reduction, terminations for refusing to work overtime, forcing workers to sign warning letters, dismissals of pregnant workers, attempts to reduce staff by relocating operations, dismissals of workers who submitted requests or raised complaints, dismissals of daily wage workers, dismissals due to rejected or defective garments, and dismissals of workers who suffered injuries. Surveillance-based terminations were also documented.

A total of 11 reports related to dismissals were published in August, involving 10 factories. These factories include Chai Moon Sports (Myanmar), Great Glowin (JW), Glowin & Win (ADK), Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion, New Jin Lin Garment Co.,Ltd, Shun Yu Myanmar Garment Co.,Ltd, Sky Fashion Myanmar Co.,Ltd, Sudey, Teng Hui Myanmar Knitting, Tianjin Fashion Milestone Co.,Ltd, and Wan Xin Myanmar Co.,Ltd.

Other Violations

There were 9 reports of child labour, 7 reports of violations of social security laws, 5 reports concerning violations and dismantling of WCC regulations, and 4 reports of workers being assigned to tasks outside their job descriptions, 3 reports of wage deductions by supervisors, 3 reports each of rights violations against daily wage workers, incidents of sexual harassment, violations of pregnant workers’ rights, breaches of EC contracts, and retaliation against workers who submitted demands or protested. There were also 2 reports concerning the denial of adequate rest periods within the workplace.

In its findings, Myanmar Labour Society acknowledges that certain labour-related issues may not have come to light due to limitations in reporting or available information. Recommendations can be provided if there are specific concerns or areas that require further insight.

Monthly reporting like this, based on labour news and workplace rights violations, is aimed at improving the livelihood of the workforce and is intended to contribute to ongoing labour law reforms and advocacy for better workplace protections.

Therefore, decision-makers, responsible authorities, labour rights defenders, trade union federations, union members, workers, and researchers are encouraged to further explore and build upon this report to support the development of Myanmar’s labour sector.

Myanmar Labour News Background

Myanmar Labour News (MLN) is Myanmar’s first independent digital media platform led by young people, with a strong focus on the labour sector within the country. It was established to promote freedom of expression, workplace justice, and equal access to labour rights for all workers. We aims to provide transparent and easily accessible information and to support the social development of grassroots communities.

Myanmar Labour Society

Myanmar Labour Society (MLS) is actively engaged in gathering data, conducting research, and producing monthly and annual reports. MLS also organizes awareness training programs on labour rights, trains independent freelance journalists to report on labour rights violations, and provides vocational and educational training related to workers’ health, labour laws, and broader education for workers.

We invite support and collabouration to help sustain the monthly report of Myanmar Labour News and to ensure the continued production of high-quality monthly and annual labour rights reports.

Myanmar Labour Society
Research Team