Workers from Saiform International Garment Myanmar, a garment factory located on Min Gyi Maha Min Khaung Road, Shwe Than Lwin Industrial Zone, Hlaingtharyar Township, Yangon Region, have submitted a complaint to the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM), saying they are being denied the piece rate wages as designated, and requested to assist them being exploited.
The factory is reportedly owned by a Chinese citizen and employs over 1,700 workers, producing garments for brands including ZEROCTAGE, Huna, ZERO-STAGE WORKWEAR, TIEORA, and SOLOTEX.
Wages at the factory are paid under a structure of daily wage, attendance bonus, piece rate, and monthly bonus. However, workers say the designated rates for the piece rate system are not being followed and instead, the system is manipulated to favor those the management prefers, causing unequal and unfair distribution of wages. Workers say they would like either the designated rates to be applied or the system to be managed transparently and clearly.
“They require excess work from us but when it’s time to pay, they many things in piece rate, and in the end, those who actually worked don’t get anything. As for the production bonus, they only give it to those who produce beyond the set target, and even then, the supervisors only give it to the ones they like. We are the ones who suffered if we ask about it. Even those who deserve it don’t get the bonus. It feels like they’re exploiting us. We want this to be resolved,” a worker said.
Working hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, but workers say they are often required to work overtime until 8:00 PM, midnight, or even until dawn depending on business needs.
According to the payment structure, the daily wage is 10,500 kyats, overtime is paid at 2,182 kyats per hour, and the attendance bonus is 40,000 kyats. Annual bonus is 2,000 kyats added each year. Workers say that the attendance bonus is halved without any leeway or advanced notice if they miss even one day of work.
“The factory pays piece rate and bonus, and it’s been open for over 10 years. They don’t grant leave easily, even if it’s important. They don’t give earned leave either. They only compensate with money after two months even after completing the duration for earned leave. They talk harshly to us if we submit medical leave. The factory employs over 1,700 workers and there is a clinic and nurse, but they don’t even have medicine for things like stomachache or dizziness. The toilets are broken, especially the women’s toilets, which are worse. Sometimes there’s no water. In the ironing department, we have to sign in and out just to use the toilet. Drinking water also runs out sometimes,” a worker said.
The workers say they want the issues related to workplace violations to be addressed, for more transparency to be ensured, and for the working environment to be improved. They said they are requesting the following:
- Piece rate wages should be paid according to the designated rates. If deduction is necessary based on garment quality, it must be shown transparently and clearly. No deductions should be made from QC Good garments.
- Monthly bonuses should be distributed fairly and equally.
- Toilets should be repaired, sufficient water should be provided, and toilet usage should not require signing in and out.
- Drinking water should be supplied regularly and sufficiently.
- Leave should be granted properly according to the type and eligibility.
