Myo Thein
Jan 28, 2026
#Letter
We are workers from the Myanmar Ming Fan factory. We are garment workers. The factory is located in Shwepyithar Industrial Zone (1). The factory has only been operating for about six months.
When it first opened, working hours were only from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. After about two or three months, we were required to work until 8:00 p.m. Now we are being made to work until 9:00 p.m.
In between, we have also been required to work early-morning and overnight overtime. Yesterday, we had to work until 9:00 p.m. We told them it was very inconvenient because our homes are far away. The supervisors said they would provide transport and that there would be ferry vehicles.
But only one ferry vehicle is provided when we finish overtime and want to go home. At other factories, it is normal to arrange proper transport for workers who work overtime.
At our factory, they say they will arrange ferry transport, but in reality, we have to return home on our own arrangements. We have to walk about 15 minutes from the factory to reach the main road. After that, waiting for a bus to go home is very difficult.
Workers have to return to places like Htandabin, Insein, and Hlaing Tharyar Aute Gate, and waiting for buses takes a long time.
When some workers reported these issues to the Labour Office, management said they already knew and made the workers sign written undertakings. Now it has become even worse. When we are asked whether we will work until 9:00 p.m. or do overnight overtime, and we say that both options are inconvenient and that we cannot work, we are forced to do it anyway.
Some supervisors even sign overtime consent forms on our behalf without asking for our consent. We do not know anything about it.
When we cannot work overtime and refuse to sign the overtime form, a female office staff member shouts at us, saying, “This overtime is called because it’s important. Why can’t you work?”
Supervisors only care about pleasing management. They force workers to work overtime regardless of our wishes.
We want help with what is happening at our factory.
