The German entrepreneur of Euro Gate garment factory in South Dagon Industrial Zone Yangon Region closed off his factory without paying any salary, plummeting over 700 factory workers to a sudden difficult livelihood on 18th August.

There was a demonstration by the workers after the factory was closed down before the New Year holidays without salary being not given to the workers. As a result of the demonstration workers were paid half their salary, and an agreement was signed  in front of those concerned to make the remaining payment on 21 April, but the workers said that with effect 21 April the factory would not be open. 

As the factory has not opened till date the German owner of the factory was sued, but the entrepreneur had not appeared in court even once. 

Ko Myo Min Lwin, a worker from Euro Gate said, "It seems that we have to starve ourselves sitting and waiting for the factory owner to come to court. It has been four months since we have been going for the hearings. Due to having to go to court we don't get any job as a daily wager. It is difficult to earn a living. Wr are not asking for anything improper. We are asking for what is due to us. The authorities concerned are pulling time and it is very detrimental to us. 

As the owner of Euro Gate has not paid the workers for March and April and has failed to make any compensation for closing business as per workers' law,the workers and their family are facing difficulty for their livelihood.

Ma Khin Wai, a seamstress from Euro Gate said, " Since we are living from hand to mouth, with the sudden loss of work we are in difficulty for our living. There are others who have difficulty applying for a job. For those with a job they are in difficulty having to go to court. The boss doesn't appear in court. Apart from having difficulty going to court, it is very inconvenient to sit and wait for a long time in a small tea shop. I have a sister who helps me out with rice and edible oil. I'm a bit okay.

It is not just because if covid pandemic that there is a delay in giving payment. It has been three years that payment of salary has been delayed. Right now no payment has been made for March and April. And the factory has been closed.

There are more than 700 workers in Euro Gate. Sporting clothes are made here and exported.