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Some Protest Workers Detained, Not Yet Released

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By Labour Citizen Journalist - Jul 15, 2025

Some protesting workers from Shangcheng Garment factory, located in Industrial Zone 4, Yingjiang City, Yunnan Province, China, where more than 1,000 workers are employed, remain in detention and have not been released as of today, according to their coworkers.

The protest occurred on June 20 after workers raised concerns about the unhygienic food provided at the workplace.

A total of around 25 workers, including 13 leading the protest, were taken by the police for questioning. Key protest leaders remain in custody while some have been released, workers said.

“They were taken away for questioning and haven’t come back. When we asked about it, they said they haven’t received medical results yet. They haven’t given us any clear explanation, and no one is taking responsibility. The police took workers’ phones and deleted all the videos that were recorded during the protest,” a worker reported.

The factory is producing Snowflying brand down jackets. Workers say they are facing difficulties due to excessive production targets, which are nearly double what they can actually produce. They are forced to work until midnight if they cannot meet those targets.

Workers say they are not compensated with overtime pay even though they work until midnight.

“They still don’t pay the standard 5 yuan overtime rate if we do reach their target. They only pay when they feel like it,” a worker said.

Regular working hours are from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and anyone arriving just 10 minutes late is penalized. Workers also report that 30 yuan is deducted from their pay for uniform fees if they decide to return to Myanmar.

“The employer doesn’t take responsibility if we get injured on the job. We have to pay from your own pocket even if you go to the on-site clinic. If we’re unwell and can’t work for up to six days, not only do we get no pay, but they also deduct wages from the following month,” said another worker.

Workers are calling for solutions to these labor rights violations.

Their demands include:

  1. Employer should only set production targets that are realistically achievable by the workers.
  2. Employer must not require workers to enter the workplace at 7:51 AM and deduct wages if official working hours haven’t started yet.
  3. Employer must take responsibility for any workplace injuries.
  4. Employer should grant sick leave if workers are unwell.
  5. Employer must not force unpaid overtime.
  6. Employers must allow workers to enjoy the legally entitled leave.

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