By Ma Ma- Dec 28, 2024
Despite announcements by the military junta regarding New Year holidays, factory workers continued to work up until December 28, 2024, with reports indicating excessive overtime obligations. Workers have expressed frustration over having to work extended hours during days initially presumed to be public holidays, citing unclear guidelines issued by authorities.
While government employees enjoy two days off (Saturday and Sunday) as part of the public holidays, private-sector factory and workplace employees often have to work half-day shifts on Saturdays. Unclear holiday announcements have led to disputes between employers and workers, creating confusion and causing financial and operational losses.
"At our factory, workers were forced to work overtime on Sunday until 7 PM under the pretext of substituting for December 31," a factory worker reported.
According to the junta's New Year holiday announcement, there will be five consecutive holidays from December 28, 2024, to January 1, 2025. However, workers are required to work a substitute day on Saturday, January 11, 2025, to account for December 30, one of the designated gap days.
The announcement claimed to apply to both government employees and private-sector factory workers. However, due to delays in notifications from the Factory and Labour law Inspection Department, factory workers were forced to work substitute shifts ahead of the holiday period for December 30 and 31.
"If substitute work is required, overtime pay must be provided. Workers cannot be dismissed for refusing to work, and their regular wages must not be deducted," labor unions emphasized.
The Factory and Labour law Inspection Department eventually issued follow-up notices confirming the holiday schedule for factory workers. However, the delay resulted in workers being forced to work on days such as the previous Sunday and Christmas to compensate for December 31, which employers claimed was not a holiday.
The labor law stipulates that if workers are required to work on public holidays, employers must secure their consent and pay double overtime wages. Workers are calling for strict adherence to these laws and for employers to respect their rights.
