By Hsu Latt Phyu - May 17, 2025
Workers at Tianjin Fashion Milestone Garment began a work stoppage on May 16 to demand higher daily wages, but no negotiations had taken place between workers and the employer by the second day of the protest. Instead, military troops from the junta were seen arriving at the factory, sources said.
Labour department officials reportedly arrived at the site at around 4 PM on May 16 and engaged in discussions with the employer. However, only armed soldiers from the military council had shown up in front of the factory by the following day.
Workers involved in the protest said they were facing threats from a WCC member, warning them not to return to the workplace due to safety concerns.
The Chinese national-owned factory is located on Seikkan Thar Road in Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon Region. Workers are demanding a revised wage structure that reflects the current economic conditions, along with a raise in overtime pay in accordance with the new base rate.
The factory reportedly operates two buildings with around 1,000 workers manufactuing VERO MODA brand. Workers said they have reached out to the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) for support.
“Earning just 8,800 kyats a day isn’t enough anymore. We can’t even support our parents back home. Prices are rising, and it’s barely manageable even for one person. Our monthly income is around 400,000 kyats. Rent alone is about 90,000, food costs around 220,000 — just for meals. The rest goes to small expenses, and we’re left with only 50,000 to 100,000 kyats when we send money home. It’s unsustainable. We still have to cover health costs and transport. We’re asking for 13,000 kyats per day and higher overtime rates. A salary of 650,000 would be manageable for an individual. But for those who send money home, it’s still not enough,” a worker explained.
Currently, workers are receiving only 8,800 kyats per day in total base and allowance, making it difficult to cover basic living expenses.
Workers also reported harsh treatment from supervisors, including yelling and coercion, as well as one-sided production targets. They are being forced to work overtime on Sundays with no rest days. The factory clinic is reportedly lacking medicine, adding further hardship to the working environment.
