By Min Ni Kyaw - Jul 09, 2025
Workers say that the Novel King factory employs a large number of underage children and they are required to work overtime into the night alongside adult workers, according to one eyewitness employee.
“They make children work until 9 or 11 at night. They are not allowed to leave even if they collapse from exhaustion. They’re forced to drink sweetened drinks to stay awake and keep working,” the worker said.
The factory reportedly employs around 500 workers, including about 100 underage child labourers. Although township labour officials have not been seen inspecting the overtime practices, one worker claims that the factory teach responses to avoid detection.
“Never once have we seen labour office inspections. Only two people should be allowed to present: the inspector and the one being questioned if they do come. We’re told in advance: ‘Say no if labour officers ask whether you’ve done overtime,’” workers reported.
Workers also said they are denied full rest breaks, face wage discrimination, have their salaries delayed for missed days, and that the factory does not follow proper labour practices, including coercive lending.
“The bell rings at 7:30 AM to start work. Lunch break starts at 12:06 PM and rings again at 12:30 PM to resume. Same for clock-out time—they’re stealing our time. They’re told salaries will be paid only on the 8th or those who miss a scheduled payday between the 1st and 5th. Workers from departments outside sewing don’t get more than 330,000 kyats in wages. No matter how much living allowances are increased wages are not raised for tap-system workers. The factory manager lends money to workers at a 20% interest rate. When salaries are issued, office clerks deduct the amount without asking questions. It causes a lot of hardship,” said another worker.
The Novel King factory is located in Mya Thidar Ward, Pyinmapin Village Tract, Mingaladon Township, Yangon. It is manufacturing Chinese brand JUCHEN winter wears.
