Myanmar: Workers at garment factory reportedly forced to work overtime 'against their will' & face verbal abuse if targets are not met
Summary
Date Reported: 5 Nov 2022
Location: Myanmar
Companies
Kaixi Myanmar Fashion - Supplier , Primark (part of Associated British Foods) - Former buyer , Inditex - Reported buyerAffected
Total individuals affected: 5000
Workers: ( 5000 - Location unknown , Clothing & textile , Gender not reported )Issues
Wage Theft , Gender Discrimination , Harassment (other than sexual) , Mandatory overtime , Excessive production targetsResponse
Response sought: Yes, by BHRRC
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: Kaixi Myanmar Fashion allegedly supplies to Primark and Inditex; Both brands provided a response to a request for comment from the Resource Centre. Inditex stated it does not source from the factory. In January 2024, Primark informed us last orders in Myanmar were handed over in October 2023.
Source type: News outlet
"KAIXI Myanmar Fashion factory workers are being discriminated against and their rights are being violated", 5 November 2022
At the KAIXI Myanmar Fashion Co,LTD factory near stop 199 in Shwe Pytha Township, the workers are forced to work overtime against their will, so the workers said they want to work overtime voluntarily.
Sewing workers were also slandered by the super[visors] when they asked for a [target to be met]...; Sunday calling overtime OTs without the consent of the worker...If you don't go down, [they] will be angry. There is discrimination and overtime OTs at night...
The factory...has more than 5,000 workers, sewing [for] underwear brands...
Workers are unfairly asked for [high targets]. When asking for a [target], super[visors] are swearing...A total of 10,800 (10,800) of the bonus was cut, and even if you work in the workplace, there are biases...Workers are subjected to abusive speech...Speaking rudely, [for example] What are you doing? compared to a cow;...when there is no one to help the workers, the management levels of the factory oppress the workers...
The factory does not have a trade union, and the WCC is appointed by the employer, not a representative elected by the workers. Most of the workers in the workplace have problems.
Due to the above violations, the workers [demand:] 1. Sunday overtime...should be convened after asking the workers' consent. 2. super[visors should not] swear. 3. Interpreters speaking rudely to the worker; Kaixi Myanmar Garment workers have requested not to be subjected to humiliating treatment.
[Translation via Google Translate]