Myo Thein
Feb 27, 2026
Workers at the Shein Lee Co., Ltd garment factory say they are being pressured to work overtime and verbally abused if they refuse. Overtime is being imposed continuously without rest days according to complaints submitted to the Industrial Workers’ Federation of Myanmar (IWFM).
“Assistant supervisors, supervisors, and line leaders say orders are urgent and pressure us to work overtime. They shout and swear at us in front of others if we explain why we cannot stay,” workers said.
Workers said the factory requires overtime every Sunday without granting a weekly rest day. In addition, workers are required to work overnight and extended overtime shifts from Monday to Friday. Those who work night overtime are reportedly not given rest the following morning and must resume normal duties.
“We cannot respond to the verbal abuse. They force us to sign that overtime is voluntary. When labour inspectors come, they say overtime is provided because workers requested it. Ferry transportation is not arranged when we work overtime,” workers said.
Workers must make their own travel arrangements without factory-arranged transport, meaning much of their overtime pay is spent on commuting. Workers also said the factory does not immediately pay the 3,000 kyats meal allowance, resulting in some having to work overtime without dinner.
Workers further alleged that foreign managers instruct assistant supervisors to closely monitor workers and treat them like detainees.
“The factory confiscates our phones. This is completely inconvenient. We cannot even use them during breaks. How would we know if something happens to our family members? There is no empathy,” a worker said.
Although workers contribute monthly to the Social Security Fund, they said the factory restricts medical leave and forces them to work.
“The factory grants only one day if the doctor at the Social Security clinic prescribes three days of rest. Supervisors and line leaders order us to return the next day, so we have had to work while still unwell,” workers said.
They added that although there is a clinic inside the factory, medicines are insufficient, and workers are subjected to scolding by the nurse. Requests for gate passes due to illness or urgent matters are reportedly denied, accompanied by verbal abuse.
“Verbal abuse happens everywhere. Supervisors shout at us if we fail to meet production targets. Workers are afraid to drink water or go to the toilet because we must keep sewing. they call us back immediately even when we cannot hold it and go,” workers said.
Workers also alleged that underage workers aged 14 and 15 are employed and made to work on par with adults. Daily wage workers reportedly remain unconfirmed even after completing three months of service.
“As daily workers, we have no leave or benefits. We could contribute to social security and receive benefits if we were officially hired as monthly workers. Instead, they collect copies of ID cards and photos and call us when needed. They dismiss us when not needed,” workers said.
They said many daily workers are skilled but are kept on daily status without formal confirmation and can be dismissed at the discretion of assistant supervisors, supervisors, and line leaders.
“Female workers have to sit mixed together on the factory ferry. Management knows this. The WCC knows this. But no arrangements are made,” workers said.
Shein Lee Co., Ltd garment factory, owned by Chinese citizen, is located on Kanaung Minthargyi Road, Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Hlaingtharyar Township, Yangon. The factory employs more than 700 workers and manufactures the WearGuard, Vestis, Craft, and Tuff Athletics brands.
