#Letter
To:
Respected Authorities Concerned,
We are Myanmar workers currently employed at the PAODA Footwear Factory arrived in Laos through the arrangement of AHTAN Company on 28.11.2024, we are writing to formally report the following serious difficulties we are presently facing:
1. Challenges Related to Working Hours and Wages
Although our contracts stated an 8-hour workday, we are now working 10 hours daily, along with more than 3 hours of overtime (OT).
Wages are often disbursed late, and only during inconvenient night hours, which creates many difficulties for us.
We have not been issued bank cards or social security cards although tax is deducted from our salaries. As a result, we are paying tax without a bank account, and we are unable to access medical care when ill since we lack social security cards.
2. Health and Safety Concerns
Female workers frequently faint or collapse due to excessive working hours. However, the factory does not provide transportation to hospitals or clinics so we must go by ourselves.
We are often verbally abused and pressured to take a full one-month leave instead when we fall ill and request time off.
The dormitories we are housed in are unsafe. Beds are unstable and at risk of collapse, and many basic necessities are lacking.
Water supply is also insufficient. There are frequent days with no running water, forcing us to buy drinking water from outside during off days.
3. Issues Regarding Contract Terms and Procedures
The working hours we were promised at the time of employment differ significantly from what is actually practiced. The factory also confiscates our passports. The factory demands a payment of USD 1,500 if a worker wishes to return home, an amount far higher than what other factories typically require.
The factory either sends workers outside or pressures them not to speak truthfully when inspection teams visit.
4. Living and Food Conditions
The food provided is of poor quality. There are days when we are not fed rice at all, and days when we are given only raw eggs.
All of the above issues amount to serious violations of our fundamental labour rights. We respectfully urge the responsible authorities to take immediate action to ensure our safety, well-being, and justice.
Respectfully,
On behalf of the workers of PAODA Footwear Factory
