By Yoon Sat - Jun 11, 2024
Workers from Kingsrich (MYANMAR) Fashion Limited which located at the Yay Pyar Street, no (18) Ward, Shwe Pyi Thar Township, Yangon Region said that the whole factory collectively demanded for pay raise due to livelihoods and the employer verbally agreed to pay 7,500 kyats per day but it is also said that the bonuses would be cut.
"They raise to 7,500 kyats per day and overtime pay of 2,000 kyats per hour. The bonus will be cut. I don't know if anything is certain or not. They will not sign a contract. They only agreed verbally," said a worker.
All the workers protested for a salary raise. Due to negotiations, it was agreed verbally at around 4:00 p.m., that 4,800 + 1,000 = 5,800 + 1,700 = 7,500 kyats and overtime pay of 2,000 kyats per hour will be paid, and that the clothing bonus will no longer be paid.
“They didn't sign a contract. They only gave a verbal promise. We didn't believe them because of that. They will pay 7,500 per day and 2,000 overtime per hour. But when the WCC told the employer to remove the bonus, it was confirmed. We are working this morning and being monitored," said a worker.
In addition, police and soldiers with civilian outfits came to monitored while the factory workers were protesting on June 10th 2024.
The factory is owned by Chinese national and has more than 1,000 workers manufacturing H&M brand jackets. It is reported that there is no trade union at the factory, but only a WCC.
Even though there is a workplace negotiation committee in the factory, they negotiate without asking the workers' demands carefully so the workers want to continue to get paid bonuses and also want them to address other issues such as the supervisors verbally abusing the workers, having to work overtime until 7:30, having to work continuously until 7:30 pm since lunch time and the factory not providing the workers food for overtime.
Workers’ demands are
1. Workers agree with the current daily wages but to continue to enjoy the benefits previously provided.
2. To allow to enjoy the clothing bonus once a week as usual.
3. The supervisors not to verbally abuse the workers
4. To give break time and to provide food if the workers have to work until 7:30 pm.
