Myo Thein
I am a worker from Johnson Company Limited, a factory that produces ceremonial clothing. The factory is located in , Myawaddy Min Gyi Road, Industrial Zone (4), Hlaing Tharyar Township, Yangon Region.
At this factory, we have been forced to work unauthorized overtime (OT) for more than a year. During December, we were required to work for three consecutive weeks without Sunday rest days. On Sundays, we had to work until 6:30 p.m., and even when we asked to be released at 4:30 p.m., our requests were rejected.
An inspection was conducted at the factory. However, after the inspection, management accused the workers, saying that someone had reported the factory. They did not name anyone specifically but made general accusations. Now, they are pressuring workers by asking who reported the case.
This situation has made it very difficult for us to work. In reality, we have been working overtime almost the entire year, with barely any rest days. Despite this, the labour office has not taken effective action.
What is even worse is that workers are now afraid to report issues, fearing retaliation. There is no Workplace Coordination Committee (WCC) at the factory. Management has openly said they do not form a WCC because they are afraid it would prevent them from forcing overtime.
The factory is jointly owned by a Chinese national and a Myanmar national, and there are nearly 300 workers employed.
I am asking for help regarding this situation.
