Wildcat strike at Zhi Yuan factory (Yangon, Myanmar)

In Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon Region, at Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, No. 99, Hospital (1) Road, workers at the Chinese-owned Zhi Yuan Garment Co. Ltd factory are staging a work stoppage today, November 26, 2024. Around 300 workers are working in this factory and 250 of them are demanding the dismissal of a Chinese interpreter who has physically assaulted workers, which they deem unacceptable. The demands also include stopping the unjust practices of supervisors and management who verbally abuse workers and force them to work under oppressive conditions. There are a total of 13 demands put forward by the workers.
 

 
In front of the factory, government officials, hired thugs, soldiers, and police officers from the nearby police station arrived. A worker informed the Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM) that the factory management called in soldiers and police in response. One of the organised workers spearheading the demands is in hiding because armed soldiers, police, and thugs are searching for him. Workers have also stated that armed soldiers are threatening them to return to work inside the factory. A worker shared that, “A soldier pointed a gun at us and ordered everyone to return to their work, threatening us with the weapon.” Another worker said, “Thugs threatened us, saying if we don’t stay calm, they will hit each of us at least once.”
 
The workers are appealing to involved brands and the general public to be informed about the situation and urgently resolve these issues. The Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM) was contacted for assistance.
 
One of the main retailers profiting from the exploitation of the factory workers is New Yorker, which is based in Braunschweig (Germany).
 
Due to the pressure of authorities, workers had to enter their workplace, but in the end just sat there and refused to work (2PM, 26 Nov 2024).
 
The 13 demands of the striking workers:

• Provide an monthly attendance bonus of 50,000 MMK (22.55 EUR).
• Pay overtime wages of 2,000 MMK (0.90 EUR) per hour.
• Implement a fair grade system and pay workers accordingly.
• Grant paid leave and public holidays in compliance with Myanmar labour laws.
• Provide piecework payments based on actual production targets set by the factory.
• Pay the attendance bonus wages twice monthly (once for the first two weeks on the 15th and once for the second two weeks at the end of the month).
• Dismiss HR Manager Ma Nu Nu Wai from her position.
• Set up a suggestion box for workers to voice their concerns.
• Establish an on-site medical room with qualified healthcare professionals and allow workers time off for medical needs.
• Dismiss the interpreter who engaged in physical assaults against workers.
• Grant workers 15 minutes of break time for food and drinks before overtime shifts start.
• Ensure supervisors and line leaders refrain from unfairly pressuring, shouting, or verbally abusing workers.
• Improve the quality of the drinking water supply in the factory. Workers report that the current water is unsanitary, leading to illnesses such as diarrhea and food poisoning.

 
Among others the factory workers produce clothes for FB (fishbone) Sister owned by New Yorker:

 
Original Article: https://globalmayday.net/2024/11/27/strike-zhi-yuan/