Owner of a garment factory in Thardukan industrial zone in Shwepyithar Township fled from his worksite on August 25 as he was in debt and unable to pay back debts according to sources close to workers working in that factory.

“The owner was hiring the factory building and machines. As he fled, only machines he had hired left. The owners of the machines wanted their machines back and workers denied returning the machines. The owners are negotiating with the workers and said they will pay 5 million kyats. But, the workers are not satisfied with the amount,” said a man close to workers.

According to a man helping workers said the owner took some machines and garments from the factory. There are 110 workers in the factory. Workers had to work on Friday and the owner fled on weekend. On Monday when the workers came to work, there are no machines left at the factory. They informed the matter to the administration officials.

At present, about 30 workers from that factory are leaving the factory and working in new factories. The rest workers are negotiating to get back their salaries.

“The owners of the machines said they will give 5 million to the workers but the workers said with that amount, they will get only Ks.60, 000 per each. So, they didn’t take that amount and still negotiating,” continued the man close to the workers.

At present, there are problems between owners and workers increases and on July 7, a protest from JW factory workers in Zay Kabar compound held a stage concerning cutting in salaries, and other problems.