"Even though the factory workers are sick, they can't take leave", 9 August 2023

Seasonal illnesses and body aches are on the rise due to the rain. Most of the labours from the factories and workshop are sick, but don’t get leave, according to the workers.

"Factory workers can't take leave except for major surgeries and health issues. For normal illnesses, they can't take leave no matter how sick they are.", said by a labour from the New Plus Garment Factory in Shwe Pyithar Township.

In recent days, due to heavy rains, seasonal flu infections have increased, and some schools have been closed, and the number of sick patients arriving at hospitals has also increased.

I can't rest, my whole-body aches and I'm sick. I can't rest in the morning and can't take a leave. I have to take medicine and go...If I can get leave, I want to rest. The thing is I can't. Even if I can with taking the scolds, my daily pay and attendance bonus will be cut.", said by a garment labour from East Dagon Myothit Township...

Some factories even [threaten] to fire [workers] if they [take leave]. But in some factories, those who are comfortable with the [supervisors] can take leave while the others don’t and [do] not dare to.

The workers said that if they miss a day of work due to illness or any other reason, [the factory] will be cut off their...bonus and [they] may even be fired...

“When workers take a leave for sick, they can go to the social security clinic, if they pay social security contributions. [They] will get the cashback if [they have] 6 months of service and contribution. So, the workers will get the daily wages if they appoint to the social security clinic and receive a medical leave...but these days, even if the employe[e] [is granted] leave from the social security [clinic], there are cutbacks.”, said by a labour activist.

The reason [for] not giving [medical] leave...is [because] the [supervisors are] very afraid that [they]will not meet the targets. If [this] does happen, they would be cut off too. So...they are forcing the labours to work by [saying] “resign if [you take] leave”...

If the labours are sick, there is a shortage of factories that take responsibility for medical treatment and no medical facilities in the clinic and doctors or nurse who can treat are not appointed anymore according to the labours.