Myanmar Garment Workers Demanding Higher Wages Face Intimidation, Union Says

Garment workers demanding wage increases and improved working conditions at a Chinese-owned factory in Yangon are facing intimidation and threats of legal action from management and junta labor officials, according to a local trade union.

The Solidarity of Trade Unions Myanmar (STUM) stated that management at the Spring Moon Garment factory in Hlaing Tharyar Township threatened to sue striking workers who were absent due to illness, falsely accusing them of taking employment at competing facilities.

STUM added that the regional director of the junta-controlled Department of Labour Relations (DLR) echoed the employer's accusations and pressured worker representatives during collective bargaining talks.