By Nay Chi - Dec 19, 2024
Workers from the the DONG LONG (Pathein) Garment Factory at Ward 13, Pathein Township, Ayeyarwady Region, are denied legal entitlements, such as leave benefits, while facing abuse from supervisors, leaders, cleaning supervisors, and security staff, according to workers at the factory.
Workers said that production targets are set higher than what workers can reasonably achieve. They are denied access to drinking water, meals, or even bathroom breaks when they fail to meet these targets,, said one worker who requested anonymity.
"Medical leave is denied even if we feel unwell and we are verbally abused. The first aid kits and medical rooms lack proper supplies, and even basic emergency medical materials are unavailable. Some workers don’t know their rights, while those who do and try to claim them face verbal abuse. Sometimes workers come in sick because they can’t get leave, and they’re even when they try to take a gate pass. Leaders and supervisors scream at us, even from early in the morning. Some of them don’t even address us by name but use insulting nicknames instead. For instance, some supervisors adress female workers with explicit language. Some workers have been hit on the head or back, and wages are deducted for mistakes in production. I’ve also seen supervisors throw garments at workers. Certain leaders or supervisors even make inappropriate personal comments about workers," said a worker.
When machines break down, they aren’t repaired promptly, and workers are pressured to meet production targets despite this, often facing verbal abuse and coercion, the worker added.
"We’re not even given the full 30-minute break time we’re entitled to. The bell it’s often delayed by five minutes which supposed to rings for the end of the workday at 6:00 p.m. Our phones are confiscated during work hours, so we can’t be contacted for family emergencies. Overtime is mandatory, and we have no option to decline. They give orders, and we’re forced to follow them. On top of that, we’re required to purchase work cards and gloves out of our own pockets," the worker explained.
Workers also complained about abusive behavior from a female security supervisor.
"The female security head yells and curses at employees when they go to the bathroom. She treats employees harshly and shows favoritism," said another worker from the factory.
The factory, owned by a Chinese national, employs over 2,000 workers and manufacture brands such as Muji, Mayoral, Golf, and SEM/R. It has also opened an additional branch, KUMUDRA (Pathein) Garment Factory, nearby, according to reports.
Workers said that their workplace rights are being violated, including being denied entitlements guaranteed by law. They are also subjected to verbal abuse and mistreatment within the workplace. Workers are calling on the relevant brands to intervene and resolve the situation. This information was shared by workers from the factory who wished to remain anonymous.
