By Min Ni Kyaw - May 27, 2025
Workers at Saiform International Garment Factory say that line supervisors and superiors are exerting pressure and discriminating against them, according to the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM). Workers report experiencing threats and discrimination upon rejoining the factory after quitting due to discontent with their previous production line.
“Some workers quit and applied for jobs on other lines. The previous line supervisor must support the reappointment to get re-employed. The worker has to return to their former line to be rehired if the previous supervisor is not satisfied. Some line supervisors and superiors threaten by saying, ‘You’ll only be rehired with our permission; otherwise, you’ll lose your job.’ They prohibit older workers from mingling with new ones and don’t allow them to eat together,” workers say, noting that there is discrimination among the workers themselves.
Workers also say that during meetings; line supervisors and superiors often verbally abuse and threaten them.
“A supervisor from line 9 said that the manager won’t fire them because the manager themselves rehired them. He frequently threatens by saying, ‘Any workers can report me if they can’t tolerate what I say. I don’t care about anyone,’” according to workers.
One worker stated that they are required to sew two to three pieces at a time because the factory requests over 60 pieces per hour per line. However, since they cannot meet these targets, they are subjected to daily verbal abuse from supervisors and superiors.
Although the factory claims to pay by piece rate, workers allege they are being forced to work under a fixed piece rate. It is reported that the determination of the rate is manipulated by line supervisors and superiors.
“The setting of piece rate pricing lies in the hands of supervisors and superiors. They choose favorable rates for those they prefer. Many are working on a daily basis. They’re not guaranteed permanent employment unless they’re favored even after completing a probationary period. If not, they’re not appointed, even after probation. As a result, workers suffer losses,” workers say.
It is reported that over 50 daily-wage workers are employed at the factory. Drinking and utility water sources are located far from the work area, and there are frequent water shortages, according to reports. One worker mentioned that there are times when they are unable to drink water due to these shortages and that the factory toilets are not secure.
Although a WCC (Workplace Coordinating Committee) has been formed within the factory, workers claim it was not formed through democratic elections but was selected by the employer. As a result, it does not address worker grievances and only represents the employer’s side, they say.
The Saiform International Garment factory is located near Bogyoke Park, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon, and is owned by Chinese national. The factory employs over 1,000 workers and is known to manufacture the FOUR DIMENSION & COLE FEELINE, and AERO LIGHT brands.
