Myo Thein
Feb 26, 2026
Workers say the Hige Fashion Accessories Myanmar Co., Ltd garment factory is preparing to dismiss a pregnant female worker. According to the Industrial Workers’ Federation of Myanmar (IWFM), the woman is a cleaning worker with one year of service.
“They said they will terminate her employment because she is pregnant. The HR manager and a COC representative called her in and spoke to her. She was told not to come to work starting March 5,” an IWFM official said.
Workers said she was told that since she is pregnant and cannot perform the same level of work, she no longer needs to come to work. The pregnant worker is reportedly a contributor to the Social Security Fund.
“There are many obligations that factories and employers must follow regarding pregnant workers under Myanmar’s existing labour laws. The most important point is job security. She cannot be dismissed. In addition, employers must ensure leave entitlements, workplace safety, and access to social security benefits,” an HR manager said.
The cleaning worker joined the factory on February 7 last year and is now six months pregnant, workers said. Although she has been making monthly social security contributions, she has reportedly not been granted medical or casual leave.
“She was not granted leave and had to request a gate pass when she went to the Social Security clinic for a pregnancy check-up. She had to go on a rest day. She has medical documents from the Social Security clinic. The Myanmar national manager and even the COC representative who is knowledgeable about labour law said they would dismiss her even when she said she wanted to continue working due to financial difficulties,” a worker said.
Workers also alleged that more than 30 underage workers aged 14 and 15 are being employed without medical recommendations and made to work on par with adult workers. They added that the factory requires overtime work on Sundays, and if workers refuse, supervisors shout and verbally scold them.
They further said the Workplace Coordination Committee (WCC) at the factory was formed at the employer’s discretion, making it difficult for workers to raise workplace concerns.
Hige Fashion Accessories Myanmar Co., Ltd employs more than 400 workers and is currently manufacturing Xshelte brand caps. The factory, reportedly owned by Chinese citizen, is located on U Htun Nyo Street, Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Hlaing Tharyar Township, Yangon. Workers said the factory has produced hats, shoes, trousers, shirts, and H&M brand caps.
