Myo Thein
Feb 13, 2026
Workers at Golden Maple Leaf Myanmar Co., Ltd. say the factory is taking unlawful action against employees who refuse to work overtime. According to workers, in addition to two hours of daily overtime, they are also required to work late-night shifts and overtime on Sundays.
“We are not allowed to go home even after finishing work at 6:30 p.m. We are forced to work overtime until 12 midnight. We are changed from monthly-paid workers to daily wage workers as punishment if we refuse Sunday overtime. Workers have cried because of this,” a worker said.
Workers report that underage employees are also required to work overnight overtime alongside adults.
“Underage workers are always made to work until dawn. The children’s health is affected. Even when they are sick, they put on medicated patches and continue working overtime,” workers said.
Despite the health impact, the factory allegedly does not grant legally entitled casual leave, medical leave, or other benefits. More than 50 boys and girls aged 12, 13, and 14 are reportedly employed at the factory. A worker said the factory does not confirm them as permanent staff and frequently dismisses them unlawfully.
“When there is work, they call the underage workers. They dismiss them when work slows down. They dismissed some in December and hired new daily workers again in January. We don’t know when they will be dismissed next,” a worker said.
Production lines consisting of eight helpers and 45 sewing operators are reportedly required to produce 50 pairs of pants or 30 shirts per hour. Workers say they are forced to sew without drinking water or going to the toilet in order to meet these targets.
Workers also allege that wages are paid in three installments and that resigned workers are not paid their due wages. Employees who raise concerns about pay or workplace conditions are reportedly dismissed.
“We are fired if we speak up about salary or workplace problems. More than 40 workers have been dismissed this month alone. Salaries are paid in three installments. Even when resigned workers go on the designated payday, they are not paid,” workers said.
Workers further report insufficient drinking water, unsanitary dining areas, a lack of tables in the cafeteria, and dog waste inside the workplace.
The factory, located on Saya San Road, Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Hlaingtharyar Township, Yangon, employs more than 230 workers. It is owned by a Chinese citizen and currently manufacture under the Rolywrk and Lvcunv brands.
