By Hsu Latt Phyu - Nov 13, 2025
We are requesting assistance from the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) regarding the loss of labor rights as stated under the existing labor laws.
We are over 270 workers currently employed at Shun Yu Myanmar Garment Co., Ltd, located at No.---(B), Kanaung Minthagyi Road, Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Hlaingtharyar Township, Yangon Region.
The factory is owned by a Chinese citizen and produces for brands such as Smog, Karrimor, CMP, and Sinsay. However, our labor rights are being violated in numerous ways.
Inside the workplace, there is no designated clinic, no access to basic medicines, and although there is a purified water machine, clean drinking water is not consistently provided daily. We are facing a serious lack of clean drinking water.
Each line or department is only given two toilet passes, and a rule is strictly enforced that no more than two workers can go to the restroom at a time, which is an unhealthy and unreasonable restriction.
Our working hours start at 7:30 AM and run until lunch at 12:00 PM. After lunch, we resume at 12:30 PM and work straight through until 7:00 PM for overtime without any break.
Food vendors are not allowed to sell inside the factory during the morning shift before lunch. We must go outside with a gate pass if we want to buy snacks, which is hard to obtain. We are often forced to beg from supervisors just to get it.
With around 270 to 300 workers at the factory, we are required to arrange our own transport to and from work, as the employer does not provide ferry services or transportation subsidies. We must arrive at work on time at our own expense.
Since there are no ferry arrangements at 7:00 PM workers often face police checkpoints on the way home, and the employer takes no responsibility for this. The lack of transport has created serious difficulties for us.
The long-service bonus we receive is only 4,800 kyats for 10 days even after working for a full year, which is extremely low.
Inside the factory, workers aged 15 or 16 are employed without medical clearance letters confirming their fitness to work.
In departments like packing and ironing, young workers are being pressured with shouting and insults to meet excessive production targets, even during regular working hours.
When orders are not complete, we are forced to work overtime from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM. Workers who cannot do overtime due to health issues or family responsibilities are punished by having their bonuses cut.
Although WCC representatives were elected by vote, they have done nothing to meet the demands of the workers.
Previously, our daily wage was 4,800 kyats, with a subsidy of 2,000 kyats, and the employer contributed an additional 3,700 kyats, making a total of 10,500 kyats. However, after announcing on 5.10.2025 that the support allowance would be increased by 1,000 kyats, the factory instead reduced its contribution from 3,700 kyats to 2,700 kyats. Not only was there no increase from the factory side, but the support amount was cut.
Bonuses are being distributed unequally between the 10 lines in the factory. Departments like Fining QC, Ironing, and Packing are forced to do excessive overtime, and are given unfair targets and lowered salaries and bonuses.
There are not enough fans or air conditioning systems installed in each department to match the current heat conditions. As a result, we are sweating excessively and some even feel faint.
Workers’ Demands:
- The employer must not reduce the current support allowance provided to the workers.
- The employer must stop forcing departments such as Fining QC, Ironing, and Packing to do excessive overtime.
- The employer must ensure a reasonable temperature in the workplace by managing proper ventilation and cooling.
- The employer must stop shouting, insulting, or verbally abusing young workers or forcing them to meet unreasonable targets.
- The employer must arrange ferry transportation for workers.
- The employer must stop enforcing the unfair rule that requires toilet passes to use the restroom.
Submitted by:
Workers of Shun Yu Myanmar Garment Co., Ltd.
