Myanmar Police Arrest Protesting Garment Workers

 

 

At least 20 protesting workers were arrested on Wednesady afternoon after they staged a sit-in strike in Yangon Division's Insein Township, The Irrawaddy reported.

 

About 100 workers from COSTEC and Ford Glory garment factories in Shwepyithar Industrial Zone, who have been protesting to demand a pay rise from their employers for over a month, began a fresh sit-in protest on Wednesday morning after a planned march to City Hall was blocked by hundreds of police.

The police moved in on Wednesday afternoon, arrested at least 20 workers and forced others to disperse.

About 2,000 employees of the E-Land Myanmar, COSTEC and Ford Glory garment factories began a strike on Feb 2 to demand a raise in monthly wages to 80,000 kyat [US$78], up from 50,000 kyat.

The factories, which are owned by Chinese and South Korean firms, according to the workers, rejected the demands and offered 62,000 kyats.

While some labourers have since returned to work, about 600 workers from the COSTEC and Ford Glory factories remain on strike.

The striking workers say they would not return to work until their demand for a pay rise—to 80,000 kyat per month—is met.

Workers have also demanded the introduction of a set, fair minimum wage; firm action against employers that break the law; compensation during the negotiation period; and the release of striking laborers who have been arrested in recent weeks.