By Hsu Latt Phyu - Sep 15, 2025
Workers at Ka Hung Myanmar Co. Ltd garment factory report that they are facing various violations in the workplace, including being dismissed at any time without valid reason, being forced to work excessive overtime, and experiencing verbal abuse and threats from supervisors.
The factory, owned by Chinese citizens and located near Gate 53, Ahlae Village, Hlaingtharyar Township, Yangon Region, operates with over 700 workers and is reportedly manufacturing garments for the Sublevel Outerwear brand.
Violations of labour law include illegal dismissals without proper procedures, denial of legally entitled leave, and failure to pay the promised 9,500 MMK daily wage in full, according to the workers. Additionally, child laborers are allegedly being employed without proper registration and medical certification, and day laborers who complete three months of service are dismissed without formal appointment or legal justification. Workers are also being forced to work extreme overtime hours without rest days, and production targets are demanded under threats and verbal abuse.
As a result, workers have sought assistance from the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) to address these issues.
“Workers were laid off under the claim of downsizing in July, 1. Among those dismissed were older workers, and they were let go without any compensation,” said one worker.
Workers say they want dismissals to be carried out according to labor laws and for compensation to be provided to those who are terminated.
Furthermore, although the employer claims that a daily wage of 9,500 MMK is provided, in reality, sewing line workers receive only 9,000 MMK, and other departments get just 8,500 MMK at payday. Workers are asking not to be deceived or misled regarding wages.
Workers also report that they suffer from sleep deprivation, weakened immunity, frequent illness, and yet are denied sick leave due to being forced to work overtime until dawn. When they request leave due to health issues, they are denied, and both the 9,000 MMK basic wage and the 20,000 MMK attendance bonus are cut.
“We lose the 20,000 MMK attendance bonus if we miss even one day. Only those who work every single day in a month get it. The production targets are unreasonable—they demand 60 to 70 pieces per hour per line, which has more than 40 workers. They shout and threaten us to meet these quotas. We are forced to work mandatory OT overnight if we can't meet the targets. We’re threatened with dismissal if we refuse. How can any worker stay healthy under these conditions?” a worker stated.
There are reportedly over 30 casual workers in the workplace, and those who complete three months of service are dismissed illegally. More than 40 child laborers aged between 14 and 16 are said to be working without the required government registration and medical certificates. When inspections are conducted, these children are allegedly hidden from view, constituting further legal violations.
Workers say they want such widespread workplace violations to be stopped and are calling for fair and just working conditions.
The workers from Ka Hung Myanmar Co., Ltd are demanding:
- That employers grant legally entitled leave to all workers.
- That day laborers not be illegally dismissed without valid reason.
- That employers arrange ferry transportation for workers consistently.
- That workers who complete three months of service be formally appointed as permanent staff.
- That the full 9,500 MMK daily wage be paid without deductions.
- That employers cease forcing workers into overnight and dawn overtime shifts without exception.
- That toilets used by workers be properly roofed and made adequately available.
