#Letter

I am from New Plus Garment Factory.

I wanted to share that continuous overtime shifts (OT) have become unmanageable. I saw that our factory’s news was posted on this page.

We’ve had to work every Sunday without a break since around May. We’re overtime given a break even on full moon days or significant holidays. We’re working until 8 PM every day.

The labour office came for an inspection last month. It was only during those few days that we didn’t have to do overtime. After that, we’ve been working overtime non-stop again.

Currently, we’re working until 8 PM every day, including holidays. Workers are really exhausted.

While it’s true that overtime gives us a better income, having to work all the time like this is just too much. And unlike the sewing line workers, we don’t receive bonuses like grade pay or performance rewards.

We have to rely solely on overtime pay. But now that the overtime shifts are excessive, we’re starting to feel discouraged since our salaries aren’t on par with line workers. It’s also affecting our health.

It’s becoming harder to commute at night, and working continuously like this every day is overtime sustainable. Of course, we’re willing to help with overtime if it's urgent.

But currently, we have to work overtime no matter sewing line workers also work or not. Over time, we no longer know what a rest day, a religious ceremony, or even enjoyment feels like.

Even though the office announces through the mic that overtime is optional, the supervisors frown upon us, show displeasure, and we face verbal pressure if we don’t comply.

They say the whole factory will be called in for overtime again on this coming Sunday, —and we’ll have to do it.

All we want is for overtime to be called only when necessary.

Also, we want equal treatment between sewing lines and other departments. Garment production requires the cooperation of sewing, assistants, and other staff. It won’t run smoothly with only sewing lines, nor with just other sections. It only works well when all workers cooperate equally.

We’d also like workers from other departments to be granted bonus pay and benefits equally. Currently, the sewing lines are getting various bonuses, while workers like us in other departments don’t enjoy the same despite the hard work—and this is not fair.

We are sending this message to inform the responsible authorities of our suffering and what is needed. Thank you.

New Plus Garment Factory is located near Nwar Hchan bus stop, Kyauk Sein Road, Thadukan Industrial Zone and is a Chinese citizen-owned factory employing around 1,000 workers.