By Myo Thein
Feb 23, 2026
Jie Sen Garment (Myanmar) Co.,Ltd dismissed 40 workers on the morning of February 23 without providing clear justification, according to reports submitted to the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM).
“There was no solid reason. They said the workers failed to follow factory rules and dismissed 40 workers this morning,” IWFM said, citing workers.
According to employees, tensions began on February 19 when workers from Line (2) were publicly reprimanded by an HR staff member over unmet production targets. Workers said the HR official used a microphone to scold them in a manner they described as humiliating and unethical. Through the assistant supervisor, workers requested that the matter be addressed.
“The HR staff member who shouted at us over the microphone was only asked to apologize verbally. We were told to sign warning letters when we asked about it on the 20th. We were publicly humiliated, but the HR staff member just signed a warning privately and that was it,” a worker said.
Workers said that in the days following the incident, factory management, HR personnel, and supervisors spoke harshly to employees involved. On the morning of February 23, Line (2) workers were reportedly denied entry to the workplace and informed of their dismissal.
“Line (2) workers were not allowed to enter when we arrived for work. The factory owner told us to either accept termination compensation and leave or comply strictly with factory regulations,” a worker said.
Employees responded that they had committed no wrongdoing and wished to continue working in their original positions without loss of seniority. However, they said the HR manager told them they were dismissed and could file complaints wherever they wished.
“They refused to provide the official termination letters we asked,” a worker said.
Workers also allege broader labor violations at the factory, including forced overtime, disciplinary actions, denial of leave, and lack of weekly rest days, resulting in financial and health hardships.
“The factory calls overtime until 9 p.m., and we have to work overnight shifts. Weekly rest days and public holidays are often not observed. Refusing overtime is not an option. They lower our skill level, issue warnings, or demote us if we decline. Even requesting a gate pass for family matters is difficult. Continuous overtime has harmed our health, increased expenses, reduced income, and affected our social lives,” a female worker currently employed at the factory said.
The factory began operations in August 2025 and employs around 1,000 workers. While a Workplace Coordination Committee (WCC) has been formed, there is no trade union at the factory, according to workers. The Chinese-owned factory is located on Min Gyi Maha Min Khaung Road in Shwepyithar Industrial Zone (3), Insein Township, Yangon. It currently manufactures the Mackage label.
