By Yoon Sat - Jan 23, 2025
The trade union president of Sunrise (Myanmar) Fashion garment factory was dismissed without any valid reason by the factory, according to sources from a workers’ assistance group. The factory, located on Kyauk Sein Street, Thar Du Kan Industrial Zone, Shwe Pyi Thar Township, Yangon, has also terminated some other union members, according to the workers.
“Trade union members are being dismissed one by one. The first to be dismissed was the union chairperson,” a labor rights advocate explained.
The factory manager terminated the president with a dismissal letter on January 20 while they were in the process of organizing the union.
The Sunrise (Myanmar) Fashion factory had previously dismissed its former union chairperson in a similar manner and has continued to violate labor rights, according to workers.
Those assisting the workers stated that the Department of Labour has failed to take action against the dismissal of worker leaders who are trying to organize unions. This lack of accountability has emboldened employers to continue violating labor laws with impunity, they said.
The Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM) strongly condemns actions that violate workers’ rights, such as failing to take effective measures against factories that breach labor laws and attempting to dismantle unions. The CTUM has vowed to continue supporting the Sunrise Union in its formation efforts.
The Sunrise (Myanmar) Fashion factory has not only dismissed union leaders and members but has also been frequently reported for excessive overtime demands, forcing workers to work overtime without their consent, retaliating by reducing grades and pay for those who refuse, denying rights, discriminating, withholding overtime wages, verbally abusing workers, forcing them to sleep at the workplace, and failing to provide transportation, according to workers.
The factory employs over 1,000 workers and manufacture fashion brands such as Global Work, WOLLYTEC, CINEMA CLUB, HARE, LEPSIL, URBAL FUNCTION, SINCE 1930 UNITED ATHLA, FINO-OUT, LOWRYS FARM, and AIRTHERMAL, workers said.
