Myanmar workers at Won Sinh Technology factory in Chonburi, Thailand have reported systematic discrimination, oppression, and unfair dismissals without compensation. The factory, which employs over 900 Myanmar workers alongside Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese workers, has been specifically targeting Myanmar workers for discriminatory treatment, according to worker testimonies.
Factory management has implemented irregular work schedules for Myanmar workers since after the Chinese New Year holiday, forcing them to work on alternating days or making them take three to four days off before allowing one day of work. Workers report that their requests for daily wage compensation during forced off days have been ignored. Despite Thai government regulations requiring a daily minimum wage of 400 baht, the factory operates on a contract system and immediately terminates workers for a single unauthorized absence.
When workers attempt to raise grievances, they face a bureaucratic maze where factory owners direct them to brokers, while brokers redirect them back to the factory, effectively preventing any resolution of their concerns. Furthermore, even workers who submit official resignation letters are issued fake work permits, deliberately creating obstacles for their future employment opportunities. These fraudulent documents force workers to spend approximately 1 million Myanmar kyat to secure new factory employment.
Workers who have previously attempted to protest these unfair practices have faced retaliatory dismissals from the factory. The situation continues to deteriorate with ongoing systematic oppression and labor rights violations against Myanmar workers. The discriminatory practices have created a hostile work environment where Myanmar workers face unique challenges compared to their counterparts from other countries, with no effective channels for addressing their grievances or securing their basic labor rights.
