By Hsu Latt Phyu - May 22, 2025
Workers at the True Green corn seed factory in Wataya Industrial Zone, Shwe Pyi Thar Township are continuing their protests for a wage increase without entering the workplace.
Due to rising commodity prices and insufficient income to cover basic living expenses, workers are demanding a raise in their daily wage from 6,800 MMK to 10,000 MMK.
According to the workers’ demands, the factory is being urged to raise the daily wage to 10,000 MMK, and to structure the monthly attendance bonus of 30,000 MMK so that 15,000 MMK is deducted if they miss up to 15 days, and another 15,000 MMK if they miss the second half of the month. These demands were being negotiated through the Tripartite Arbitration Body when the factory dismissed four worker union leaders from the EC (Executive Committee).
Due to the dismissals during the period of protest, the workers staged a sit-in protest at 4:30 PM on May 19. On the same day, after negotiations, the dismissed union leaders were reinstated, and the demands for wage increases continued.
“A township officer came to take photos of an EC member’s house. When asked, he said the military had ordered it. The police have also started looking for another EC member. Rather than resolving labour issues through the labor law, we are seeing shifts in narrative and intimidation,” said a labour rights supporter.
Workers state that earning only 6,800 MMK per day while working excessive hours is a clear violation of workplace rights, and they are seeking fair resolution.
“The workers are not making political demands. They are simply demanding fair wages. These people haven’t broken any laws. They only get 6,800 MMK per day. Many of them didn’t even know what an 8-hour workday was. They didn’t know they’re entitled to a 30-minute break after 5 hours of work. They’ve been working 15–16 hours a day for that base pay, under extremely harsh and exploitative conditions. The workers have to choose and pay even for safety, pads or needles. Toilets drain directly into ponds. No oversight from the Department of Labour or the township authorities,” said a labor rights activist.
“These issues were exposed when the union was formed. In retaliation, the union was suppressed. Management even offered to raise the daily wage to 10,000 MMK if the union was dissolved. The employer refuses to recognize the union and demanded the removal of three members from the WCC (Workplace Coordination Committee). The HR staff don’t even understand basic labor laws. All they do is hand out money to resolve problems. This shows how dire the situation is in this area,” the activist added.
