By Min Ni Kyaw - Nov 10, 2024
A worker at the Zhong Xin Wang factory in Watayar Industrial Zone was electrocuted on the morning of November 7, resulting in severe injuries, according to reports. The incident occurred around 8:30 AM, and the injured worker was taken to Insein Hospital for treatment, workers stated.
“The worker was trying to lift an electric cable off a container truck entering the factory premises when it happened. He climbed onto the container and attempted to lift the cable with a pole, but the pole broke. That’s when the electrocution occurred. We heard a loud sound and ran to check, and he was still lying on top of the container,” workers explained.
The worker sustained extensive injuries, with his entire body charred and suffering severe bleeding wounds on his head, mouth, and neck. He was identified as a storehouse worker who had been working at the factory for five months as a day labourer before being promoted to permanent status just one month prior.
“He’s currently at Insein Hospital. He has regained consciousness, but doctors said they need to perform skin graft surgeries,” said one of his coworkers.
While the factory management transported the injured worker to the hospital, the manager told the victim that he could be sued by the EPC (Electric Power Corporation), according to some workers. This is not the first such incident at the factory. Workers recounted a prior case where a worker lost a hand in an accident involving a button punching machine.
“They said they could reapply after their hand healed, but they were never rehired,” a worker said.
At Zhong Xin Wang factory, probationary periods last from four or five months to as long as a year, but workers are not provided with formal EC contracts. Workers are concerned that their rights are being violated as a result. Additionally, daily wage workers are paid weekly, and 400 MMK is deducted from Sunday overtime pay.
“They don’t provide proper meals in evening. They only give us a snack worth 400 MMK. And they don’t even allow a proper break. We have to go right back to work once we finish eating. The manager moans that we take leave rapidly if we request medical leave for illness. And both the manager and Line 6 supervisor say all sorts of false things to us,” workers explained.
Workers who cannot do overtime are being terminated. They are required to continue working straight from lunch until 8:30 PM without breaks, and meals are not provided during this time. Sick leave is rarely approved unless the illness is life-threatening, and gate passes are difficult to obtain, workers said.
“The factory is filled with dust, and there are no air extractors. Workers’ health is severely affected. The toilets are always insufficient. We have to go other factories to use the restroom. The 2,000 MMK daily subsidy isn’t provided. They don’t let us go home during the flood. They divide workers and only send some home while forcing others to keep working,” said another worker.
Zhong Xin Wang Garment Factory locates on Watayar Road, Watayar Industrial Zone, Shwe Pyi Thar Township, Yangon.
