"H&M supply factory in Myanmar damaged in violent labour protest", 7 Mar 2017

Workers demanding better conditions and benefits have destroyed the production line of a Chinese-owned factory in Myanmar making clothes for…[H&M]…The month-old dispute, which also saw managers attacked, highlights the need for Aung San Suu Kyi’s government to enact social and labour reforms, analysts say…Production at Hangzhou Hundred-Tex Garment (Myanmar) Company, which was one of H&M’s 40 suppliers in Myanmar, has been halted since 9 February, workers and managers in the Chinese company said.

“H&M group is deeply concerned about the recent conflict and our business relationship with this factory is on hold at the moment,” the Swedish-based company said in a statement…We are monitoring the situation closely and are in close dialogue with concerned parties. We strongly distance ourselves from all kind of violence.”

…The dispute started with a strike in late January following the sacking of a local labour union leader, according to workers and managers. Workers demanded a better performance review system and healthcare coverage…[the] former union leader That Paing Oo…had led a labour protest late last year that successfully pushed Hangzhou Hundred-Tex Garment to compensate employees who did not receive overtime pay, several workers said…