Myanmar workers at Won Sinh Technology factory in Chonburi, Thailand have reported experiencing discrimination and oppression from their employers. The factory, which employs over 900 Myanmar workers alongside Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese workers, has been specifically targeting Myanmar workers with unfair treatment. Workers report that the factory has been terminating employees without cause or compensation and implementing irregular work schedules.
According to workers, the factory had previously increased its workforce during good business periods, but since after the Chinese New Year holiday, they have been implementing irregular work schedules where workers are forced to work one day and rest the next, with some workers being made to rest for three to four days before getting one day of work. The factory has ignored requests for daily wage compensation during non-working days and instead of following the Thai government’s mandated minimum wage of 400 baht per day, they are using a contract-based system. Workers are also being terminated for a single unauthorized absence.
When workers attempt to raise concerns, they are caught in a cycle of redirection between the factory management and brokers, with neither party taking responsibility for addressing their issues. Workers who submit formal resignation letters are being issued fake work permits, making it difficult for them to find employment at other factories. The cost of obtaining new work permits amounts to approximately 1 million Myanmar kyat (10 lakhs). Previous attempts by workers to protest these oppressive conditions have resulted in the termination of those who participated in the demonstrations.
