By Min Ni Kyaw - May 31, 2025

Workers say that SUNLONE MYANMAR SPORTS CO, LTD backpack factory is requiring overtime work without rest days, and those who cannot work overtime are being told to resign.

They told the Federation of General Workers Myanmar - FGWM that overtime has been in effect since April and the factory has said it will continue until the coming August.

“We have to work until 8:30 PM every day. They said overtime will continue until September. Our health is getting affected over time. Continuous work makes it impossible to keep up. We are extremely exhausted, and going home late at night has become unsafe,” the workers said.

Although workers requested days off due to excessive overtime, they were denied and threatened by those in charge, workers reported.

“We don’t get leave if we ask for just a day. We’re scolded and shouted at if we attempt. They require us to resign if we can’t do the OT,” they said.

It is known that the factory not only denies leave but also marks absences and deducts the daily attendance bonus. “Just one missed day and the attendance bonus is fully cut. Even if we’re unwell or have an emergency, it’s not easy to get a gate pass. The leave request process is complex and difficult. At night, some female workers have to walk home from the bus stop as it’s far from their homes. Some live in very distant areas, so workers face many safety concerns. They are worried,” said one worker.

SUNLONE MYANMAR SPORTS CO, LTD factory has two sections, A and B, and the excessive overtime is being demanded from Factory B.

“Factory A makes gloves. Factory B sews backpacks. On Saturdays, OT means working until 6:30 PM every week,” the workers said.

It is known that SUNLONE MYANMAR SPORTS CO, LTD factory manufactured "MADE IN MYANMAR" brand backpacks and exports them to China. Currently, around 500 people are working there.

The factory is located in near Nwar Chan Bus Stop, Shwe Pyi Thar Industrial Zone, Yangon Region and is known to be Chinese national-owned.