By Min Ni Kyaw - May 17, 2025

Two young female workers from Myanmar Xiang He garment factory were dismissed following a protest demanding wage increases, while five others were forced to sign warning letters, according to workers.

The dismissals took place around 5 PM on May 16. “The ones who knocked on the door to help workers from the old building join the protest were fired. Those who chanted during the protest were made to sign warning letters. They didn’t fire senior workers — only the younger ones with short employment history,” said one worker.

Workers claim that the dismissals and warnings were issued deliberately after 5 PM, when labour offices were already closed.

During the protest, workers from Factory B attempted to bring in workers from Factory A after the company announced that wages would be raised only if both buildings participated. However, Factory A’s management locked the doors, and some workers from Factory B tried to open them to let others join.

According to workers, there was no damage to property or harm to anyone during the protest. Still, the factory recorded the demonstration on video, which made workers fearful and hesitant to speak out. Some also reported that armed military personnel entered the factory premises afterwards.

Additionally, the factory made several line leaders and those seen knocking on doors sign warning letters after the protest ended. “That evening, they made us sign warning letters. They targeted people they thought were leaders, and anyone clearly visible in photos or videos. They told us that those who signed would be held responsible if another protest happens. At that point, no one had been fired yet. But the next morning, the two workers were dismissed and told to sign resignation letters after the owner arrived. They said if anything happens again, they can fire us,” a worker explained.

One of the dismissed workers was a sewing operator with around one year of experience, and the other was a helper with just three months’ experience. Workers say the factory did not provide any legal compensation during their dismissal.

“They gave 16 days’ wages to the sewing worker, and only 50,000 kyats to the helper. But they should have received severance pay and compensation for service by law. We know that,” said a worker.

Myanmar Xiang He garment factory is located on Ava Road, Shwe Pauk Kan Industrial Zone, North Okkalapa Township, Yangon. Workers say they have had to gather annually to demand wage increases. Currently, over 1,000 workers are employed across the factory’s two buildings, manufacturing Turkey-based Mavi brand, which exports to over 35 countries.