Su Xin (Myanmar) garment factory in Shwelinban Industrial Zone in Hlinethaya Township, Yangon Region, whose owner fled without paying salaries, was auctioned off, but the workers have shown their opposition as the amount is just Ks27 million. 

The factory owner disappeared on March 4 this year leaving the workers unpaid for February. 

Therefore, authorities decided to auction off the factory and its equipment to pay the affected workers. 

Hnin Ei Tun from the factory said the workers were dissatisfied because with such an amount, they could not even get their full salary. 

“The amount is just Ks27 million. The February salary for the workers totals about Ks65 million. Each can receive about Ks70,000,” she said. 

She quoted the Labour Affairs Department as saying that other employers would contact workers if vacancies arise. 

Tun Tun Naing, joint secretary of the Cooperative Committee of Trade Unions, commented that the Garment Entrepreneurs Association and the government should take responsibility for fixing a price as the factory auction did not meet the required demand. 

“Until the auction came, workers had to wait individually in front of the factory. They were in trouble. How will the authorities concerned take responsibility? Would they be paid only if there is a buyer for this factory? Can’t they negotiate to get a fixed price?” he said. 

There were over 300 workers at the factory that has closed for nearly six months.