Yangon factory workers protest to demand higher wages

Workers from at least 10 factories in Yangon have been staging ongoing protests to demand higher wages amid rapidly rising living expenses, according to those supporting the workers.

The demonstrations began on May 15, when some 6,000 employees of the Tsang Yih shoe factory, a manufacturer for the global brand Adidas, went on strike at Yangon’s Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone.

After three more protests, the Taiwanese-owned company conceded to all of the workers’ demands, raising their pay, including daily wage and allowances, to 12,000 kyat a day.