By Yoon Sat - Feb 15, 2025
The Japanese-owned Honeys Garment Factory, which terminated over 400 workers without compensation, is now facing a demand for over 800 million MMK in compensation from affected workers, according to reports.
In 2017, Honeys Garment Factory fired more than 400 workers following labor rights protests, triggering a large-scale workers’ demonstration. The factory then filed a lawsuit against labor rights activist Daw Myo Aye, who supported the affected workers, demanding nearly 200 million MMK (18.88 million MMK specifically) in damages.
“The company is now being asked for compensation—for both workers' severance pay and Daw Myo Aye’s damages. Daw Myo Aye is demanding twice the amount that the company sued her for, while workers are seeking 1 million MMK each for a total of 448 workers," according to reports.
After more than seven years of legal proceedings, the case was nearing a trial stage, but on January 22, 2025, the factory withdrew its case, requesting the court to dismiss all charges.
The demands now include three key points:
- A formal apology from the factory to both trade union leaders and affected workers for the violations committed.
- Workers seeking to return to work should be compensated for 90 months of lost wages, calculated at a daily rate of 3,600 MMK.
- Workers who do not wish to return to work should be compensated with a severance package that includes lost wages, additional compensation, and termination benefits.
The 448 workers currently demanding compensation were originally terminated from Honeys 1 & Honeys 2 factories, and it is reported that those who returned to work at Honeys 1 & 2 are now facing retermination threats.
In response to these labor rights violations, the #PayYourWorkers global campaign was officially launched on February 14, 2025, demanding justice for the affected workers.
The campaign has received support from unions and civil society organizations worldwide, demonstrating solidarity with the affected workers.
"I will speak directly to the Japanese public about the injustices faced by myself and over 400 workers in next week. The factory dragged me through lawsuits for over seven years, and now that they have withdrawn the case, they think the struggle is over. But justice does not end here—whether it takes 14 years or longer, we will continue the fight, and this campaign will not stop until our demands are met," said Daw Myo Aye, who endured seven years of legal battles.
The Honeys Garment Factory, located in Mingalar Don Township, dismissed over 400 workers, and in response, over 1,000 workers protested against illegal dismissals, demanding their legal rights and an end to discriminatory practices. Despite their efforts, 448 workers have yet to receive their rightful compensation, and the fight for justice continues.
