Verbal Abuse in Garment Factories or 2024 November Violations

In 2024, Myanmar Labour News has been documenting reports of labor rights violations month by month. For the month of November, there have already been 11 reported incidents.

During November, as part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” Myanmar Labour News conducted interviews regarding violence faced by female workers in the workplace.

Among the forms of abuse faced in the workplace, verbal abuse ranked at the top, according to responses from female garment workers interviewed.

In reviewing labor-related reports, Myanmar Labour News categorized incidents of sexual harassment, workplace violence, discrimination, coercion, and intimidation to systematically document the data.

Based on this analysis, verbal abuse was identified as a primary issue, prompting more focused inquiries.

The workplace where verbal abuse occurs most frequently is the garment industry. Such abuse has caused physical and mental harm to workers, with some cases leading to distressing situations. However, these issues often do not make headlines due to the lack of agreement from affected workers.

Comments from social media posts related to this issue reflect the realities of verbal abuse in the workplace. Here are some notable comments:

“The worst part is being cursed at with the word '-' (explicit slur).”
“In my factory, the shouting and verbal abuse are deafening.”
“What was described isn’t even the worst of it. For those with a fragile mindset, this kind of abuse could lead to depression. When they return home to their families, they’re exhausted. The things they endure are incredibly harsh and inhumane. It’s as if the words were actual daggers, people wouldn’t last a week in this kind of environment.”

These are comments from 3 people regarding the verbal abuse in the workplace and these comments highlight the harsh working conditions and realities faced by garment factory workers in Myanmar.

In November 2024, Myanmar Labour News documented 37 cases of labor rights violations. Among these, verbal abuse was reported in 14 factories. This means verbal abuse incidents were reported in nearly one-third of the 33 factories covered in the news.

Out of the 33 factories, 29 are garment factories, 1 is a machinery rental business, 1 is a food production business and 1 is a sculpture business. The number of workers in these factories ranges from a minimum of 100 to a maximum of 3,000. Additionally, four factories were featured in the news twice during the month due to repeated violations.

Myanmar Labour News analyzed 27 categories of labor rights violations and identified that in November, violations occurred in 25 of those categories.

Among the top workplace violations documented in November, verbal abuse ranked as the fifth most common issue.

In October, 11 factories were reported for workplace verbal abuse, indicating that not only has the problem not decreased, but it has actually increased.

Findings

Factories with reports of verbal abuse during November include Tha Shu (Myanmar) Fashion Co., Ltd https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/workers-are-being-forced-to-work-excessive-overtime-that-is-harming-their-health , Great Summer Myanmar Garment Co., Ltd https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/great-summer-myanmar-garment-calls-overtime-and-workers-have-to-wait-for-transportation , Myanmar GiGi Leather Goods Manufactory https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/myanmar-gigi-leather-goods-manufactory-discriminating-the-workers , Mai Yi Bei (Yangon) Garment Manufacturing Co., Ltd, HANDA (Yangon) Garment Co., Ltd https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/unpaid-overtimes-and-1400-kyats-per-hour-overtime-rate-at-mai-yi-bei-yangon-garment-manufacturing-co-ltd , LITA Myanmar Co., Ltd https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/lita-myanmar-co-ltd-denies-legal-leave-and-calls-police-for-unlawful-dismissals , Bogart Lingerie (Yangon) https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/bogart-lingerie-yangon-demanding-excessive-output-demand-and-forcing-workers-to-complete-unfinished-tasks-before-regular-working-hours-if-demands-are-not-met , Smooth World International (Myanmar) Limited https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/smooth-world-garment-factory-manager-and-supervisors-verbally-abusing-the-workers , Myanmar Jiale Fashion Co., Ltd, Myanto Industrial Co., Ltd https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/workers-face-difficulties-as-wages-are-paid-in-two-installments , Straightex Co., Ltd, Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion Co., Ltd https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/straightex-garment-factory-force-workers-to-work-mid-night-overtime-on-saturdays-and-additional-overtime-on-sundays , New Top Lotus Co., Ltd https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/hiring-underage-workers-and-violating-labour-rights , and Great Glowing https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/great-glowing-factory-hr-team-treats-workers-harshly-and-discriminatorily .

Violations More Common Than Verbal Abuse

Among the violations recorded in November, issues such as salary and entitlement deductions were more frequent than verbal abuse. Factories cutting salaries and entitlements numbered 22, while those forcing excessive overtime against labor laws reached 21. Factories exerting coercion and intimidation numbered 16, with 15 factories failing to meet workplace standards as stipulated in labor laws. Another 15 factories were reported for not providing statutory leave entitlements.

Factories Cutting Salaries and Entitlements

Factories reported for cutting salaries and entitlements include Bogart Lingerie (Yangon), Charis Company Limited https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/workers-fired-after-demanding-resolution-for-physical-harassment-against-female-workers , Diamond Rental Myanmar Co., Ltd, Great Summer Myanmar Garment Co., Ltd https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/letter-from-an-employee-of-diamond-rental-myanmar-co-ltd , HANDA (Yangon) Garment Co., Ltd, Hermite https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/hermite-toy-factory-force-workers-to-work-overtime-on-day-offs-and-deduct-regular-wages-of-those-who-dont , Jiashihao Myanmar Limited https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/jiashihao-myanmar-factory-forces-workers-to-work-overtime-and-make-up-work-on-sundays , Lian Fa (Myanmar) Company https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/lianfa-garment-factory-workers-forced-into-daily-overtime-and-overnight-shifts , LITA Myanmar Co., Ltd, Mai Yi Bei (Yangon) Garment Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion Co., Ltd, Myanmar Jiale Fashion Co., Ltd, Myanto Industrial Co., Ltd, New Top Lotus Co., Ltd, Real Star https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/workplace-violations-addressed-by-superficial-inspections-by-ministry-and-employer-cooperation , Ruby Lion Manufacturing https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/ruby-lion-factory-exploit-the-workers-wages-and-deny-compensation , Shan Doivg Huayi (Myanmar) Industry Co., Ltd https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/interpreter-illegally-manages-shan-doivg-huayi-factory-imposes-unrealistic-output-demands , Smooth World International (Myanmar) Limited, Sunrise Myanmar Fashion Garment https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/labour-right-violations-at-sunrise-myanmar-fashion-garment-factory , Tha Shu (Myanmar) Fashion Co., Ltd, ZHIYUAN Garment https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/workers-report-labor-rights-violations-of-zhi-yuan-garment-factory , and Zhong Xin Wang.

Excessive Overtime

Factories that force excessive overtime beyond legal limits number 21 and include BOGART LINGERIE (Yangon), BONTECH MANUFACTURING COMPANY. https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/bontech-factory-calls-excessive-overtimes , LTD, DIXINDA Garment Co., Ltd, Great Summer Myanmar Garment Co., Ltd , He MeT Company Limited https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/70-of-workers-are-employed-as-day-laborers-at-he-met-company-limited-and-numerous-violations-were-reported , HERMITE, Lian Fa (Myanmar) Company, Mai Yi Bei (Yangon) Garment Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion Co., Ltd, Myanmar Journay https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/myanmar-journay-bag-factory-confiscate-workers-phones-after-alleging-them-for-complaints-about-overtime , Myanto Industrial Co., Ltd, Prettex Myanmar https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/illegal-overtime-pressurizing-at-prettex-myanmar-factory , Real Star, SHAN DOIVG HUAYI (Myanmar Industry Co., Ltd), Smooth World International (Myanmar) Limited, Straightex Co., Ltd, Sunrise Myanmar Fashion Garment, Tha Shu (Myanmar) Fashion Co., Ltd, and ZHIYUAN GARMENT.

Coercion and Intimidation

Factories reported for coercion and intimidation total 16. These include BOGART LINGERIE (Yangon), BONTECH MANUFACTURING COMPANY., LTD, CHARIS COMPANY LIMITED, Great Summer Myanmar Garment Co., Ltd, HERMITE, Jiashihao Myanmar Limited, LITA MYANMAR Co., Ltd, Mai Yi Bei (Yangon) Garment Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Myanmar GiGi Leather Goods Manufactory, Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion Co., Ltd, Myanmar Journay, Myanto Industrial Co., Ltd, New Top Lotus Co., Ltd, Prettex Myanmar, SHAN DOIVG HUAYI (Myanmar Industry Co., Ltd), and Straightex Co., Ltd.

Denial of Leave

Factories failing to provide statutory leave entitlements number 15. These include BOGART LINGERIE (Yangon), Diamond Rental Myanmar Co., Ltd, Great Summer Myanmar Garment Co., Ltd, HANDA (YANGON) GARMENT Co., Ltd, He MeT Company Limited, Jiashihao Myanmar Limited, LITA MYANMAR Co., Ltd, Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion Co., Ltd, Myanmar Jiale Fashion Co., Ltd, Myanto Industrial Co., Ltd, New Top Lotus Co., Ltd, Real Star, Ruby Lion Manufacturing, Tha Shu (Myanmar) Fashion Co., Ltd, and Zhong Xin Wang.

Inadequate Workplace Conditions

In the law, workplace conditions are specifically outlined to include dining facilities, drinking water, sanitation facilities, medical clinics, and proper workplace ventilation. Additionally, the EC Agreement also includes provisions for adequate transportation services for pick-up and drop-off. 15 factories reported for not meeting the requirements are BOGART LINGERIE (Yangon), Diamond Rental Myanmar Co., Ltd, Great Summer Myanmar Garment Co., Ltd, HANDA (YANGON) GARMENT Co., Ltd, He MeT Company Limited, Jiashihao Myanmar Limited, LITA MYANMAR Co., Ltd, Myanmar Huasheng Kefu Fashion Co., Ltd, Myanmar Jiale Fashion Co., Ltd, Myanto Industrial Co., Ltd, New Top Lotus Co., Ltd, Real Star, Ruby Lion Manufacturing, Tha Shu (Myanmar) Fashion Co., Ltd, and Zhong Xin Wang.

Factories reported in November, 2024

Connections to Verbal Abuse

6 factories are reported to have engaged in discriminatory treatment of workers related to verbal abuse. These violations include employing underage workers without adherence to legal guidelines and exploiting casual laborers.

Additionally, 4 factories manipulated and misled inspection teams by providing false responses, coaching workers to lie, or hiding non-compliance. 4 factories forced workers into weekend shifts without proper agreement, 4 factories violated EC contracts, and 4 factories required continuous overtime without rest periods.

Unlawful Dismissals and Demands for Wage Increases

7 factories are reported to have unlawfully dismissed workers, while 4 factories saw workers demand wage increases in November. Factories where workers demanded wage increases include CHARIS COMPANY LIMITED, HANDA (YANGON) GARMENT CO., LTD, Xin Rui Co., Ltd https://www.myanmarlabournews.com/en/posts/xin-rui-factory-unlawfully-dismissed-5-workers , and Yangon Nadia-Pacific Clothing Company Limited.

3 factories were also identified as having sexually harassed workers, and 3 others reportedly operated with WCC committees that violated legal regulations.

Notable but Less Frequent Violations

Although fewer in number, there are significant violations reported in November. These include wage deductions for higher-ranking staff in 2 factories, insufficient rest periods in 2 factories, and direct foreign management imposing undue demands in 2 factories.

3 factories reported workplace injuries in November, some of which resulted in fatalities. While compensation and assistance were provided in some cases through relief organizations, certain factory owners were reported to evade responsibility.

Analysis

The root cause of verbal abuse primarily lies within the workplace itself. Most instances of verbal abuse relate to heightened demands for output demands, yelling over unmet targets, or reprimanding workers for refusing overtime.

Foreign management's direct involvement in workplace operations has also led to intimidation and coercion of workers. This has resulted in workers losing their personal time and being compelled to dedicate it entirely to their jobs. Insufficient rest and refusal to grant legally mandated leave are also frequently observed.

In addition, workers have had their wages and rights deducted for missing workdays, even though labor laws prohibit such practices. Myanmar's labor force has not yet been able to fully enjoy its legal rights.

Due to domestic labor shortages, underage workers have increasingly entered the workforce and are subjected to illegal employment practices. Despite working overtime beyond the standard eight hours, these workers often receive only a flat daily wage, and casual laborers are not provided permanent employment opportunities, exacerbating their vulnerability.

Workplace harassment and sexual exploitation persist, both during work and on commutes home, with no effective prevention or intervention from employers. Business owners have failed to implement safeguards against abuse, leaving workers unprotected.

The current minimum wage in Myanmar does not meet the rising cost of living, yet employers have not taken steps to increase wages proportionately. These challenges have prompted strikes and work stoppages in some factories. According to Myanmar Labour News records, such strikes have been consistently occurring for 3 consecutive months.

For the Labor Sector

Myanmar Labour News emphasizes that its primary goal in documenting labor rights violations is to benefit the labor sector. The findings aim to inspire reforms, suggest improvements, and push for full enforcement of labor rights as stipulated by law.

Myanmar Labour News intended the insights gained from these investigations to inform trade unions, federations, labour and relief organizations, workers and other reform-driven entities, offering them new perspectives and strategies for improving labor conditions.

Min Ni Kyaw

Myanmar Labour Society
Research Team