Myanmar: Garment factory workers report forced overtime, unpaid wages, and exploitation by managers
"......factory worker[s] to go on strike", 18th October, 2024
According to the factory workers of LITA MYANMAR Co, LTD, the...machine line manager and supervisors...are collecting at least ten thousand kyat each from the factory workers and committing workplace violations.
The factory is located in Shwe Pytha Industrial Zone, Shwe Pytha Township, Yangon Region, Farm No. 4 (-), and is owned by ... nationals...
...It is reported that there is no trade union in the workplace...
...Working hours are from 7:30 am to 11:30 am once. From 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., and without giving a half-hour break before overtime, the workers said that they were forced to work because the machine line manager ... and 2 assistants were constantly pressuring and threatening the workers.
"As soon as the workers start working, they become like prisoners. They have to go to the drinking fountain to drink water. They have to carry their water bottles by themselves. It's even more difficult for pregnant women. Returning time is 6:30 in the evening, but when the workers return, they are screened one by one, and the ferries leave after 7 o'clock. The time to go home is delayed," the worker said.
In addition, he said, there are young workers who are forced to work in the workplace without a doctor's certificate that they are in good health, and they are forced to be equal to older workers.
More than 60 day laborers are also employed, and they work on weekends. He said that he was forced to work on Sundays without pay, and even though he had more than 3 months of experience, he was working as a day laborer without a confirmed appointment.
"Daily wages are paid 30,000 kyats to machine lines, 20,000 kyats are paid to other departments, cleaning and helpers are not paid a dime. The workers are discriminated against because they all work equally," said the worker.
On Sunday, a public holiday, he was forced to take more time off...
...He said that among the workers in the workplace, there are those who are being forced to not sign an EC contract. The workers said that although they have paid about 8 months of social security contributions, they have not been issued a social security card and are facing difficulties.
We request that workers and employers do not violate labor rights in the workplace and resolve the following points for a good workplace. Workers demands
- Employers should issue social security cards to workers.
- ...
- To sign an EC contract for workers who have not yet signed an EC contract on the part of the employer.
- For the employer to approve the employment of workers who have completed 3 months.
- ...
- I have been told that if the employer asks for time off, they would like to arrange the ferry, etc.