By Min Ni Kyaw - Dec 24, 2023
The Myanmar Bago NTMODE Garments factory fired around 20 child day laborers after Myanmar Labour News expressed about the labor right violations.
“They fired underage laborers saying that they are going to reduce day laborers. Some have more than 3 years of service. Those who are above 15 are still here. They don’t get social security and leaves as they are day laborers. It is not necessary to fire them for legal resolvent. There are no one who can help day laborers. I feel sorry about that,” said a worker.
One of the workers said that Myanmar Bago NTMODE Garments factory fired day laborers repaired drinking water dispensers and sign EC contracts after the news was expressed.
"We heard that it was on the news. After 2 days, they came to sign the EC contract and we signed. They don't even read for us about the terms and conditions are. Neither give the contract too. As for the drinking water, 5 cups have been added while it has only 1 before. We don't know how to drink with around 700 workers. I feel sorry for the girl day laborers,” said a worker.
One of the workers said that even though the ferry programs are clearly stated in the EC contract, the factory has not yet followed them, and they are also violating the law in paying overtime wages.
"The factory only reserved two cars for Thanat Pin and the rest have to come with their own plans but not get paid more wages. It is not even like other factories. Only sewing workers get a grade bonus. The attendance bonus is also lower than other factories. Overtime is also violated," she said.
A senior worker also said that Myanmar Bago NTMODE Garments force overtime without paying if the number of target garments is not met during the working hours. They also force overtime for free in Sundays and public holidays.
“We had to finish sewing before normal working hours. If not we had to work two hours more. No overtime pay. Attendance bonus is cut for missing overtime. That was a long time ago. Overtime on holidays is not counted the same as set salary. They force with 9,000 kyats. 9,600 kyats equivalent for 1,200 kyats and 11,000 kyats equivalent for 1,400 kyats. There is no one who stands with the workers. The cavity leaders even swears us,” said a worker.
A female garment worker said that the woman who is the leader of machine line No. 3 often swears at subordinate workers as well as workers from other departments.
A worker said that ‘They swear with the rudest words. Just think about swearing a girl infront of men. It is not even good to hear.”
The worker added that until now, there is no medicine in the dispensaries and they still have to purchase it from outside and WCC team is often made up of fake members by the factory only when there are inspections.
Myanmar BAGO NTMODE Garment Co., Ltd factory employs around 600 workers and is owned by a Chinese man. The factory is located at Bo Khone 18 ward, Hinthar Kone, Marfa street, Thanat Pin Road, Bago City.
