By Yoon Sat - Sep 25, 2024
Former employees of the 29 Yadanar jewelry store said that every employee had to give deposit and they were threatened for asking their deposit back when they resign from the job after the illegitimate contract of the store went viral on the social media.
“We had to give 2 lakhs deposit. Applicants who can’t afforded have to mortgage and sold their properties to give the deposit. They took one lakh if the applicant could only afford that amount and cut the remaining from the salary. They will sign a contract with lawyer after that and the terms are to not resign after 3 years and to not disparage about 29 Yadanar. They will give us bonus 20 lakhs and we had to give 10 times compensation if we resign before 3 years. They threatened that we will be sued and sentenced and will not get our deposit back. They said those resign will get the deposit and those who are fired will not get back but every one who resign are labeled as fired,” said a ex-employee who experienced themselves.
The jewelry store signed the contract with the workers up to 2, 3, 5 and 7 years. It is also learnt that the store hires around 700 workers.
The bonus given to the workers are raised according to the length of contract and workers who paid 2 lakhs and took the bonus are made to signed the illegitimate contract.
The terms stated that workers are not allowed to disparage and they are threatened that they will be sued if they work at any jewelry stores within 6 months after resignation.
“I said I will resign and will not sign the 3 years contract but they don’t allow me. I don’t like the fact that I am not allowed to work at any jewelry store within 6 months. When I don’t sign that contract, I was forced to sign a dismissal paper of me. I don’t get back the deposit and threatened if I don’t sign. Only about 1 worker among 10 get their deposits back. Others don’t get by various reasons,” they continued.
The mutual agreement contract between the employer and employee went viral regarding leave went viral on social media. The contract was criticized as it is not in accordance with the law and former employers complaint about not getting their deposits back when the employer resolve with Live video.
“We really had to pay 2 lakhs deposit. I decided not to apply when I learnt that the salary was 4 lakhs and deposit was 2 lakhs. There are many CCTVs installed and workers from separate departments are not allowed to talk or be friends. I made the right decision as I don’t apply because they are charging me first while I want to work to earn money,” a social media user commented on the Live video of the 29 Yadanar.
It is learnt that workers who disparage the business are accused of stealing the jewelries and sued with various sections. Many workers are arrested and facing legal battles.
The police and ward administrator sealed a house at the Ward 2, North Okkalapa Township owned by the parents of the former employer of the 29 Yadanar, a Rakhine woman who was sued. Border News Agency reported the news item on October 8, 2024 saying that the parents of the victim became homeless.
There are comments saying that there is only few chances to get justice back as the main shareholders of the 29 shareholders are high ranking officers from military and police and the owner’s wife is related to former dictator U Than Shwe.
