By Myo Thein - Nov 22, 2025
Workers attempting to form a labor union at SHENG TAI garment factory were verbally abused, discriminated against, and unjustly dismissed by the factory manager, according to the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (STUM).
The factory, located in Shwe Pyi Thar Industrial Zone (3) in Yangon, manufacture garments for the KARRIMOR Run brand, according to the workers.
“The Production Manager fired a factory supervisor who was working to establish a union. When the supervisor filed a complaint with the township labor office, they were allowed to return to work. But once back, the manager verbally abused them in front of everyone. The labor office’s resolution wasn’t satisfied when the supervisor complained again. Eventually, the factory issued a notice requiring the supervisor to find a new job within one month,” a worker familiar with the case reported.
The Production Manager also verbally abused two other female workers. After taking a one-day leave and filing a further complaint with the labor office, both were dismissed, said one worker.
“The manager marked their leave as unauthorized and forced them to sign a written warning. When they refused, saying this violated labor laws, both were immediately terminated,” the worker said.
It was also reported that the two female workers were not provided with written employment contracts by the factory.
According to the Myanmar Labour Organization Law (2011), workers have the right to freely form unions to protect and promote their interests, said a female labor rights activist.
“Verbally abusing workers violates workplace dignity. Employers are fully responsible. If the employer ignores resolutions or prohibitions issued by the Department of Labour, it shows a weakness in legal enforcement. In short, SHENG TAI factory is blatantly violating labour rights granted under Myanmar’s Labour Organization Law and the ILO’s fundamental freedom of association,” she explained.
According to ILO Convention No. 87, workers have the right to freely form and join organizations of their choosing without prior authorization.
Any dismissal, discrimination, or retaliation by an employer against workers for union activity or union support is prohibited under both ILO standards and Myanmar law.
