Nearly four years after the military takeover in Myanmar, new data has revealed garment workers in the country continue to face dire and repressive working conditions – with concerning impacts on their physical and mental health. The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) recorded 155 cases of abuse against (predominantly female) garment workers in factories in Myanmar from 1 December 2023 to 30 June 2024. These incidents were linked to 87 international companies sourcing from factories in Myanmar.

International fashion companies LPP, New Yorker, H&M, Workman and Lidl were linked to the highest number of abuse allegations over this period at factories they reportedly source from or have recently sourced from.

This brings the total number of abuse allegations tracked by BHRRC between 1 February 2021 and 30 June 2024 to 556 incidents, linked to 158 international brands.

Allegations of abuse included reduced wages and wage theft (62%) and unsafe working conditions (59%). The high-risk context in Myanmar is exacerbating the risk of labour rights abuses: overtime infringements have led to danger both inside and outside of the workplace, with many workers fearing for their security travelling home from work late at night after often forced overtime shifts.  

Harassment, intimidation and gender-based violence

Workers have shared alarming accounts of verbal, physical and sexual abuse and harassment, often in retaliation for not meeting unreasonable production targets. In an extreme example, a worker was stabbed by their supervisor for not meeting their targets, following a series of verbal and physical assaults. Around 50 co-workers also reported suffering physical violence.

A brand representative at one factory was reportedly complicit in sexual harassment and assaults of female workers. In another case, workers raised concerns about the trafficking of female workers in the factory.

Some factories reportedly worked with the military to oppress workers. For example, factory employers reportedly accused workers of theft if they wanted to fire them and called on the army to arrest them. 

Security risks

Under the current military rule, workers travelling home late at night fear arrest or being stopped by soldiers. In one case, it was reported that 400 workers were forced to walk home after a shift, as the factory failed to provide transport. Workers also reported an attempted kidnap at knifepoint during an overnight shift.   

Heightened mandatory due diligence in times of increased repression of workers’ freedom of expression 

BHRRC has seen a sharp uptick in the number of allegations linked to the human rights due diligence process. 13 cases were recorded of workers being intimidated into lying or taught what to say during inspections carried out by officials from the government labour department or brands. There were also incidents of day workers being dismissed, and pregnant women and child workers being hidden during inspections. 

Reduced wages and wage theft

Workers often face wage reductions by employers as a form of punishment, if they failed to meet targets or took leave. Workers also reported being denied overtime pay, maternity leave and holiday pay.  

Inhumane work rates and mandatory overtime 

Forced and often unpaid overtime is a persistent trend in the research by BHRRC, with workers purportedly facing intimidation or threats of dismissal if they refuse. Pressure to meet extreme production targets often results in workers being unable to take breaks in order to drink water or use the toilet. Workers who are forced to work overnight report not being provided with suitable or any meals during overtime shifts.  

Unsafe working conditions  Factory workers alleged blocked emergency exits, unhygienic or very few toilets, and a lack of dining facilities. Some workers reported being forced to eat in the same vicinity as animals. Very hot conditions were described, with factories having no air conditioning or fans, and no open doors. In one instance, workers reported fainting due to the heat. Access to clean water is also limited, with one case of workers vomiting after drinking unsanitary water.  

Natalie Swan, Labour Rights Programme Manager at the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, said: “The shocking and dangerous conditions that predominantly female garment workers continue to face in Myanmar are deeply concerning. However, these publicly recorded allegations are likely just the tip of the iceberg, and the full extent of labour rights abuses will be much greater. 

“The high risk and unpredictable environment of military rule in Myanmar presents a grave risk to the health and safety of garment workers during their factory shifts and while travelling to and from work. Routine provision of transport is still not being provided by employers; something which must be urgently addressed by factories, as well as the companies sourcing from them.

“In conditions of conflict like in Myanmar, international apparel brands are certainly aware of their well-established responsibilities: they must undertake robust, heightened human rights due diligence, and where this is not possible, they must consider responsible exit. The uptick in abuse allegations linked to poor due diligence processes, including pressure on workers to not disclose details of violations to inspectors and purportedly failed audit processes, is a major red flag. 

“Some of the most vulnerable workers in global supply chains are at the sharp end of these alleged failures. Major global apparel brands have the opportunity – and the obligation – to investigate and remedy these alleged harms, not benefit from then.”

Notes to Editors 

• Business & Human Rights Resource Centre is an international NGO that tracks the human rights impacts of companies across the globe. 
• Myanmar garment worker allegation tracker: Through collaboration with partners and allies inside and outside Myanmar, BHRRC is monitoring the significant increase in labour and human rights abuses of garment workers across the country since the military takeover. 
• This press release includes a summary of the latest allegations, with links to individual cases. BHRRC is able to provide more examples of allegations, alongside the factories and international buyers they are linked to, upon further request.   

Media contact: Kate Bermingham, Media Officer, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, [email protected]