Workers from four factories hold press conference for labour rights violations

Workers from four factories hold press conference for labour rights violations
Published 15 December 2018
Shine Lin Aung

Workers from four factories in Yangon Region held a press conference yesterday urging the government to solve the problems such as firing, no wages and labour rights violations.

The press conference took place at the office of Myanmar Journalist Network in Pazundaung Township. The briefing was organized by four workers from Myanmar Infochamp Shoe Factory, MDM Shoe Factory, Central Star Garment Factory and Nisho Garment Factory.

"We urge Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein to help resolve our hardships. We will be OK only with his help. We workers are being suppressed. We are fired without being guilty. We want to go back to work. If authorities fail to respond and contact us until December 17, workers from the four factories will go to the Chief  Minister's Office the following day," said Thin Thin Aye, who was fired from Myanmar Infochamp Shoe Factory.

Hla Hla Win from MDM Shoe Factory also said; "Our factory has closed without limitation. Until now, it has not been opened. There is no solution for the workers. We have been facing difficulties for over five months. About 45 workers as well as their families are in trouble now. Although we sent complaints, no agreement has been reached. So we have a plant to meet with Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein. I think all problems will be solved if he helps.

Sai Yu Maung from Action Labour Right group said coordination had to be sought at a township level although there is a related law.

"The laws cannot solve those problems. Coordination or negotiation cannot seek a solution either. There is only one answer that workers are to go back if there is no solution," he said.