By Min Ni Kyaw - Feb 07, 2025
Workers at YUHUA Garment Factory report that supervisors are still deducting wages and forcing continuous overtime. Although the factory has set two types of wage systems—daily wages and piece-rate wages—workers say they do not clearly know the exact amount of the piece-rate wages. They also report that supervisors continue to manipulate their wages without any changes.
"Last year, the labor office never came for inspections. The verbal abuse from overseers had stopped for a while, but later, they resumed their usual scolding. Wage deductions also continue. Now, we have no choice but to work overtime. Workers are exhausted. Because of so much overtime, our families no longer believe us," said a female worker.
In January 2025, wage-related demands were raised regarding piece-rate wages, leading to a wage increase. However, workers say they still do not know the exact amount of the piece-rate wages.
A worker reported that despite the wage increase, they were required to work continuous overtime, leaving them with only two days off in a month.
"They make us work overtime even on Sundays. Last month, we only got a break on Independence Day and the day after. Other than that, we had to work on all the rest days. Even during Chinese New Year, there was no leave. This forced overtime has been going on since last Thadingyut. They make us work overnight even if there is supposed to be a holiday. Because of the political situation, female workers don’t want to work overtime anymore," said a female worker.
Workers also report that they do not want to work overtime due to security checks on transportation vehicles and body searches when returning home at night.
Workers say they have to work overtime every day until 7 PM without any rest breaks although regular working hours are from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
"There are no designated break times. Whether we work until 7 PM, 9 PM, or overnight, they do not give us break time. The factory provides food, but they do not give us time to rest. We have to eat while continuing our work. They have started providing food for us to take home instead, but now, they don’t even give us time to eat. Overtime wages are calculated only up to six and a half hours. Weekly overtime wages are cleared once a week, and that’s how all overtime payments are settled," said a female worker.
Workers also report that the factory is planning to continue enforcing overtime, including on Sundays and even on Union Day this month.
Additionally, they claim that after finishing their regular work, the factory assigns them to other tasks as well.
"We don’t get any rest once we finish work in our production line. We are sent to other departments to work. Since we are not skilled in those areas, we cannot meet the required targets. Those who usually do sitting work are made to do standing work, which is even more exhausting," said a worker.
YUHUA Garment Factory is owned by a Chinese national, and its Workplace Coordination Committee (WCC) was only formed last year.
According to workers, the factory is currently producing garments for the Chinese market with approximately 300 workers, as reported to Myanmar Labour News.
