By Thar Gyi - Jun 10, 2025

Workers from Myanmar Ju Chuan (MYANMAR JU CHUAN) shoe factory began demanding a wage increase of 13,000 kyats for daily wages on June 9, according to the Solidarity Trade Union of Myanmar - STUM.

Almost all factory workers are participating in the demand, citing the significantly rising costs of living and commodities, and stating that the increase is necessary to meet their basic needs.

The demands from the workers include not only salary increases, overtime pay, and attendance bonuses but also better health care conditions within the factory, complaints against ferry drivers for mistreatment, access to drinking water, and discrimination issues—amounting to a total of 17 demands.

Due to the current salaries being insufficient, more workers are raising calls for wage increases. According to STUM, many factories are not increasing the basic wage rate but are instead offering increases under the title of “allowances” such as subsidies which are not stable.

Moreover, some factories only negotiate with mediation teams involving ministry officials during employer-employee discussions, and representatives from trade union federations are not allowed to participate in these negotiations, according to STUM.

The Myanmar Ju Chuan shoe factory is located on Min Ayar Road, Shwe Than Lwin Industrial Zone, Hlaingtharyar Township, Yangon.