By Hsu Latt Phyu - May 14, 2025
Workers at YUAN HONG GARMENT, located on Thwin Thin Taik Wun U Tun Nyo Street, Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon Region, say they want an end to ongoing workplace violations.
The Chinese-owned factory employs around 1,000 workers and manufactures brands such as JP, FREUD, Rag Out, SinSay, Work CLEANEST, and mont.bell, according to reports.
There is no trade union to resolve labor disputes but a workplace coordination committee. Violations include a lack of basic medical supplies and discriminatory treatment that deprives workers of their rights.
“When we sweat a lot in the summer and ask for rehydration salts, they said they don’t have any. And they give only one pack for four people. When we ask why, the manager says it’s company policy. They also give selectively. Those who aren’t favored aren’t provided anything including medicine. I want to know if they’re afraid that giving electrolytes might affect productivity,” a worker said.
“Also, there aren’t enough ferry buses, so female workers have to stand in overcrowded conditions. The office don’t care. The exits in the factory are only about 3 feet wide, which is too narrow. It wouldn’t be safe for over 1,000 workers in case of an emergency,. In summer, workers with health problems or pregnant women who need to leave early can’t get out easily. We’d like them to be allowed to leave 10 minutes early,” the worker added.
The factory reportedly hires daily wage workers but does not offer permanent employment even after a three-month probation period. It also employs underage workers without medical clearance and makes them work the same hours as adults, workers said.
“Another issue is forced overtime. They won’t open the gate even if we’ve worked the full 8 hours and need to leave for an urgent matter. They threaten that we could be sued if we leave,” one worker said.
Additionally, workers reported that the factory demands 40,000 kyats from job applicants.
The workers say they have sought assistance from the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) regarding the violations at the workplace.
Their demands include:
- The employer must stop hiring daily wage workers on a conditional basis — calling them in when needed and firing them when not.
- The employer must stop the practice of making workers sign warning letters without cause.
- The employer must provide sufficient and safe ferry transportation for workers.
- The employer must maintain an adequate supply of basic medical items for workers.
- The employer must stop the Chinese interpreter from demanding 40,000 kyats from job applicants.
- The employer must ensure that security staff do not photograph workers when they go to the restroom.
These are the points raised by the workers.
