"The Life of Workers under the Coup and the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Myanmar", May 2022

…Labor groups have actively participated in demonstrations against the military coup, and there has been an increasing number of arrests and prosecutions against the non-violent movement and those making labor rights demands. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic third wave has had a huge impact on the livelihoods of workers in Myanmar…

…over half of the respondents reported that unlawful dismissal related to participation in union work or involvement in worker mobilization occurred. Social security and compensation were reported as being paid sometimes but not regularly according to participants. There were also over 20% who reported that there was no leave or holidays…

There were cases of temporary closure of the factories.…only 5% reported that social security and salary were being provided if [their] factory temporary closed...

Over 40% of respondent workers reported having to work night shifts or late at night. Over half reported discrimination and punishment for refusing over-time and other illegal employment practices…

Under the current COVID-19 situation and the coup, workers’ salaries have been delayed…

Excessive target hours were set without having full manpower…During the third COVID-19 wave, workers were suspended and compensated, and contracts were signed for rehire. However, when the situation stabilized, previous employees were not rehired and only new employees were hired...

After the coup, workers were immediately fired if any problems arose within the factory, without being issued any previous warning...In the past, during the Thingyan festival, bonuses were being paid but now are no longer paid. There are cuts for no apparent reason and late payment of salary. Workers who took part in protests against the coup were given reduced wages, informed on to the military council and threatened…

At UNIFA Handbag Myanmar factory, a Chinese-owned factory contracted to the Primark brand operating on Seikanthar Road in Hlaingtharyar Township, two workers were fired for violating factory rules for removing their masks near the factory entrance. In some townships, even if they are wearing a mask while walking, workers can still be inspected and fined by military council soldiers...

After the coup, arbitration tribunals became biased and the rule of law waned, with employers violating labor laws and harassing workers… Not only are workers’ rights being explicitly violated, but also the military-affiliated labor ministry officials are working together with the employers.

…over half of the respondent workers reported that they have no labor union in their factories… The current situation of labor unions is that funds are running low and they are facing a difficult situation...

About 85% of respondent workers reported that there was no payment for over-time after the coup…over half reported that salaries were cut if employees contract COVID and are unable to work, or even worse, immediately fired...

During the COVID-19 outbreak, workers were suspended and paid less than half of their wages... In the third wave of COVID-19, only 75% of the minimum wage is paid and OT is no longer compensated for.

… during the time of the coup, all leave is barred...

Over 60% reported that there were many cases of raids on the homes of labor union leaders and labor activists…

Over 40% of the respondent workers reported cases of sexual harassment in the workplace, especially after coup, and there were difficulties for female workers to get employed. Over half of the respondent workers also mentioned that there were pay deductions for female workers, while another 50% of participants noted many cases of low wages occurring for female workers during the coup and after the third wave of COVID...

Over half of the respondent workers agreed that there was no social security during COVID for migrant workers, while the majority of the respondents reported not having enough income for family members.

A majority (90%) of participants reported that arrests and threats to labor union leaders and labor rights activists have increased...