More than 5,000 workers from garment factories in Hlaingthaya Township in Yangon staged a protest march on the morning of January 19, calling on the government to control the rising living costs, pay sufficient salaries and fix the daily minimum wage in May.
Ma Moe Sandar Myint, a labour activist said: “Workers cannot regularly eat meat curries even vegetables. The effective handling of rising commodity prices is weak. Workers have to expect the pay increase every two years. The commodity prices go on rising.”
Ko Thwin Aung, the President of Myanmar Garment Basic Labour Union said: “Workers find it difficult to survive on the daily wage of Ks4,800 fixed by the government. Commodity prices and ward bills have gone up. So we demand the sufficient wage compatible with the current situation.”
On the same day, an estimated 1,000 workers from four industrial zones in Shwepyithar Township in Yangon also staged a similar rally, calling for pay rise, dismissal protection for workers and responsible investments.
That rally was led by three labour organizations—the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (STUM), the Yaung Chi Oo Workers Association (YCOWA) and Action Labour Right.
Ko Naing Htay Lwin, a leader from the YCOWA said: “Workers demand a pay rise. There are unlawful dismissals of young workers. The authorities take no action against entrepreneurs despite the complaints about unlawful dismissals. The labour law cannot give any protection to workers. Most of the country’s populations are workers. The country will see development only when workers earn sufficient wages.”
Leaders from the labour union gave talks on the fixing of minimum salary rate to be fixed during this year for covering the rising living costs and ensuring the well-being of more than 24 million workers.
