By Min Ni Kyaw - Oct 31, 2024
Workers at Myanmar Jiale Fashion Co., Ltd report that the factory owner has been deducting their monthly fabric fees (ticket) without providing a clear date for repayment.
“Management cited issues with financial transactions after the coup and began deducting 10,000 kyats monthly from the ticket fees we receive. Additionally, if a worker earns 100,000 kyats in a month, 50% of this amount is deducted, leaving them with only around 40% of their earnings. It has been three years and we want those money back,” said a worker.
Since the deductions have continued for over three years, on September 28, the factory asked workers to sign an agreement promising to repay the fabric fees. However, workers planning to leave the factory are not allowed to withdraw their fabric fees through authorization letters, nor are they given a clear date for when they can get the money.
"When we ask when we can collect our money, or if someone else can withdraw it on our behalf, they tell us it can’t be done since we are being present in Myanmar. When we ask for a specific date, they say they’ll call us when it’s ready but never give a clear answer. The amount owed has accumulated over time, and we need it urgently," said one worker.
Workers also report that the factory selectively repays the fabric fees to those who are comfortable with the supervisors and line leaders.
Myanmar Jiale Fashion Co., Ltd is located on Chindwin Road, Shwe Than Lwin Industrial Zone, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon, employing over 500 workers. The factory, owned by a Chinese national, manufactures AMISU brand apparals.
A Chinese lady directly manage the workplace and verbally abuse the workers if output demands are not met.
"The factory sets unrealistic output demands and. The supervisors and line leaders verbally abuse us if we don’t finish them," said a female worker.
Workers at Myanmar Jiale Fashion receive a daily wage of 7,000 kyats including subsidies, and 1,700 kyats per hour for overtime, but have no other benefits. In addition, they do not receive legal leave, and cut approximately 40,000 kyats including the ticket fee if they miss a day.
