Tagged: myanmar

Strike at Sen Yu Clothings (Myanmar) factory (used by ENCUENTRO Moda)

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The Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM) reports on a labour strike currently going on at the factory of Sen Yu Clothings Myanmar Co., Ltd. It is located inside the Shwe Lin Ban Industrial Zone, Hlaingtharyar Township, in Yangon, with around 500 workers, who have been on strike since January 7th, 2026.

It is the third strike action at this factory within the last 12 months due to abusive management, wage theft, and forced overtime. The factory produces for Encuentro Moda, a clothing brand based in Barcelona with shops mostly located across Spain.

Parties involved:
☆ Sen Yu Clothing Myanmar Co. Ltd.
No. 44, Bamar Atwin Wun Road, Shwe Lin Pan Industrial Zone, Hlaing Tharyar, Myanmar
☆ ENCUENTRO Modas SL
Calle Dén Draper, 32 Pol. Ind. Valldegata Arenys De Mar, 08350
☆ Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM)
and the workforce of 500 workers at the factory

Exterior view of Sen Yu Clothings (Myanmar) Ltd, a green building with a large entrance and security gate, featuring two individuals near the entrance.

UPDATE (Jan. 31st, 2026) – as reported by the workers on the ground

On January 30, the workers who were making demands did not return home and held an overnight sit-in strike inside the factory. On the morning of January 31, around 200 workers who were going to enter the factory were not allowed to enter, and all factory entrances were locked. The factory management also barred supervisors and line leaders from entering. In the evening, labor officials from Nay Pyi Taw arrived and conducted negotiations with the factory management.

The outcomes of the negotiations were as follows:
(1) Regarding the demand to raise the daily wage to 12,000 kyats, the factory agreed to pay 11,100 kyats. (approx. 4.50 EUR)
(2) Regarding the demand to increase the overtime rate to 2,500 kyats per hour, the factory agreed to pay 2,200 kyats per hour. (approx. 0.90 EUR)
(3) Regarding the two supervisors (a Finishing QC supervisor and a line leader), it was agreed that they would sign written warning letters, and if they commit further abuse against workers, they will be dismissed from their positions.
(4) Regarding the demand for full payment of wages for the days during which workers made their demands, the management refused, stating that it is not required by law.

Out of the four demands, an agreement was reached on three points, and a written agreement was signed.

It is reported that on January 31, the factory owner filed lawsuits against nine strike leaders, accusing them in connection with the blockade of the factory entrances.
___

It is also worth noting that comrades on the ground informed about another brand placing orders at Sen Yu factorty: RESERVED.
In case the reports of the lawsuits filed by the factory owner are confirmed, we will approach the brands again!

FGWM invites you to join these workers in the struggle for living wages, an end to forced overtime, and termination of abusive management.

These are their demands:

  1. Increase daily wage from 10,500 MMK to 12,000 MMK (approx. 4.85 EUR) – a modest increase to address the cost of living
  2. Increase overtime pay from 1,950 MMK to 2,500 MMK per hour (approx. 1 EUR) – fair compensation for extra work
  3. Terminate the Production Line Manager (All-Line Super) – who has systematically abused workers, issued false warnings, forced mandatory overtime, and bypassed HR to have workers physically removed from the factory
  4. Terminate the Finishing QC Manager – who has engaged in the same retaliatory and abusive practices

These demands address both immediate economic needs and the removal of managers who have created a hostile, abusive work environment characterized by arbitrary firings, forced labor, and personal vendettas against workers.

We call on the Sen Yu Factory Management to …

  1. ensure the Workplace Coordination Committee represents workers, not management interests!
  2. immediately cease all violence, threats, and intimidation against workers!
  3. engage in good faith negotiations with worker representatives!
  4. meet the workers’ four demands without retaliation!
  5. stop interviewing replacement workers and commit to resolving this dispute with current employees!
  6. allow independent union formation without interference!

At Sen Yu factory garments are produced mainly for ENCUENTRO Moda, a brand based in Barcelona. Due to the ongoing strike the bosses threatened the workers with legal action, which usually means calling the military.

We call on ENCUENTRO, as the involved brand directly benefitting from the working conditions, to …

  1. intervene immediately to pressure factory management to meet workers’ demands!
  2. conduct independent investigations into the documented pattern of abuse!
  3. ensure no workers face retaliation for participating in this protest!
  4. implement robust monitoring and remediation measures!
  5. consider suspending orders until fundamental rights are guaranteed!

The current strike is not an isolated incident. Workers at Sen Yu have been forced to organize collective actions multiple times over the past two years due to persistent and egregious violations of their rights:

  • January 2026: Current work stoppage over wage demands, abusive management, and violent retaliation
  • October 2025: Strike by over 1,000 workers protesting wage theft and forced unpaid overtime
  • April 2025: Work stoppage demanding living wages and an end to forced overtime
  • February 2025: Reports of phone confiscation, verbal abuse, threats, and denial of medical leave
  • December 2024: Documentation of child labor exploitation and forced overtime without pay
  • November 2024: Workers forced to sign overtime agreements under threats of termination

In this situation, the workers are calling on ENCUENTRO to intervene and resolve the situation as soon as possible.
Unions with links to ENCUENTRO are asked to support the strike and approach the brand on this matter.

The situation has escalated dangerously. Workers report that on January 9, 2026:

  • When workers blocked container trucks to demand negotiations, the female factory owner physically kicked workers
  • Local police were called in to physically assault the workers
  • Factory management began interviewing replacement workers instead of negotiating in good faith
  • Management threatened that supervisors would sue workers for demanding their removal

It is about time that the pressure increases on the management and things get better for all involved factory workers for good.

  • The workers gather at the factory.
  • Entrance of the factory.
  • Sign #1: Stop oppressing workers. Our rights must be respected. Sign #2: Workers are not machines. We demand dignity and justice. Sign #3: Stop repressing workers. End violence and intimidation. Sign #4: Stop mistreating workers. Give us back our fundamental rights.
  • We, the workers, demand that ENCUENTRO intervenes and that the violent measures and harsh repression cease.
  • Label of the brand.
  • Sign #1: we demand justice and the protection of workers’ rights. Sign #2: Respect workers’ rights.
  • Stop violations of workers’ rights immediately. Ensure justice for workers. MRTU Union
  • Sign #1: Increase wages!! Pay the full wages owed!! Sign #2: Guarantee the rights of employees and workers.

La Federació de Treballadors Generals de Myanmar (FGWM) informa d’una vaga laboral que està tenint lloc a la fàbrica de Sen Yu Clothings Myanmar Co., Ltd. Està situada dins de la Zona Industrial de Shwe Lin Ban, al municipi de Hlaingtharyar, a Yangon, amb uns 500 treballadors, que estan en vaga des del 7 de gener de 2026.

És la tercera vaga en aquesta fàbrica en els darrers dotze mesos a causa de la gestió abusiva, el robatori de salaris i les hores extres forçades. La fàbrica produeix per a Encuentro Moda, una marca de roba amb seu a Barcelona i botigues principalment repartides per Espanya.

Partes implicades:
☆ Sen Yu Clothing Myanmar Co. Ltd.
Núm. 44, Bamar Atwin Wun Road, Shwe Lin Pan Industrial Zone, Hlaing Tharyar, Myanmar
☆ ENCUENTRO Modas SL
Calle Dén Draper, 32 Pol. Ind. Valldegata Arenys De Mar, 08350
☆ Federació de Treballadors Generals de Myanmar (FGWM)
i la plantilla de 500 treballadors de la fàbrica

Exterior view of Sen Yu Clothings (Myanmar) Ltd, a green building with a large entrance and security gate, featuring two individuals near the entrance.

FGWM us convida a unir-vos a aquests treballadors en la lluita per salaris dignes, la fi de les hores extres forçoses i l’acabament de la gestió abusiva.

Aquestes són les seves demandes:

  1. Augmentar el salari diari de 10.500 MMK a 12.000 MMK (aprox. 4,85 EUR) – un augment modest per fer front al cost de la vida
  2. Augmentar el pagament de les hores extres de 1.950 MMK a 2.500 MMK per hora (aprox. 1 EUR) – una compensació justa per la feina addicional
  3. Acomiadar el cap de la línia de producció (All-Line Super) – que ha maltractat sistemàticament els treballadors, ha emès avisos falsos, ha imposat hores extres obligatòries i ha eludit Recursos Humans per fer que els treballadors fossin expulsats físicament de la fàbrica
  4. Acomiadar el cap de Control de Qualitat de l’acabat – que ha dut a terme les mateixes pràctiques de represàlies i abús

Aquestes demandes aborden tant les necessitats econòmiques immediates com la destitució dels directius que han creat un entorn de treball hostil i abusiu, caracteritzat per acomiadaments arbitraris, treball forçat i venjances personals contra els treballadors.

Fem una crida a la direcció de la fàbrica Sen Yu perquè …

  1. assegureu que el Comitè de Coordinació Laboral representi els treballadors, no els interessos de la direcció!
  2. atureu immediatament tota violència, amenaces i intimidació contra els treballadors!
  3. inicieu negociacions de bona fe amb els representants dels treballadors!
  4. compliu les quatre demandes dels treballadors sense represàlies!
  5. deixeu d’entrevistar treballadors substituts i comprometeu-vos a resoldre aquest conflicte amb els empleats actuals!
  6. permeteu la formació de sindicats independents sense ingerències!

A la fàbrica Sen Yu es produeixen principalment peces de vestir per a ENCUENTRO Moda, una marca amb seu a Barcelona. A causa de la vaga en curs, els caps van amenaçar els treballadors amb accions legals, cosa que normalment significa cridar l’exèrcit.

Fem una crida a ENCUENTRO, com a marca implicada que es beneficia directament de les condicions laborals, perquè …

  1. intervengueu immediatament per pressionar la direcció de la fàbrica perquè satisfaci les demandes dels treballadors!
  2. porteu a terme investigacions independents sobre el patró d’abusos documentat!
  3. assegureu que cap treballador pateixi represàlies per participar en aquesta protesta!
  4. apliqueu mesures sòlides de seguiment i correcció!
  5. considereu la suspensió de les comandes fins que es garanteixin els drets fonamentals!

La vaga actual no és un incident aïllat. Els treballadors de Sen Yu s’han vist obligats a organitzar accions col·lectives diverses vegades durant els darrers dos anys a causa de violacions persistents i flagrants dels seus drets:

  • Gener de 2026: Aturada de treball actual per demandes salarials, gestió abusiva i represàlies violentes
  • Octubre de 2025: Vaga de més de 1.000 treballadors en protesta per robatori de salaris i hores extres no remunerades forçades
  • Abril de 2025: Aturada de treball exigint salaris dignes i la fi de les hores extres forçades
  • Febrer de 2025: Informes de confiscació de telèfons, abusos verbals, amenaces i denegació de permisos mèdics
  • Desembre de 2024: Documentació de l’explotació laboral infantil i de les hores extres forçoses sense sou
  • Novembre de 2024: Obrers obligats a signar acords d’hores extres sota l’amenaça de ser acomiadats

En aquesta situació, els treballadors demanen a ENCUENTRO que intervengui i resolgui la situació com més aviat millor. Es demana als sindicats vinculats a ENCUENTRO que donin suport a la vaga i s’adrecin a la marca per aquest assumpte.

La situació s’ha agreujat perillosament. Els treballadors informen que el 9 de gener de 2026:

  • Quan els treballadors van bloquejar camions de contenidors per exigir negociacions, la propietària de la fàbrica els va donar puntades de peu
  • Es va trucar a la policia local perquè agredís físicament els treballadors
  • La direcció de la fàbrica va començar a entrevistar treballadors substituts en lloc de negociar de bona fe
  • La direcció va amenaçar que els caps demandarien els treballadors per exigir la seva destitució

Ja és hora que augmenti la pressió sobre la direcció i que les coses millorin de manera definitiva per a tots els treballadors de la fàbrica implicats.

  • Treballadors es reuneixen a la fàbrica
  • Llacet #1: S’ha d’aturar l’opressió dels treballadors. S’han de respectar els nostres drets. Llacet #2: Els treballadors no són màquines. Demanem dignitat i justícia. Llacet #3: Atureu la repressió contra els treballadors. Acabeu amb la violència i la intimidació. Llacet #4: Deixeu de maltractar els treballadors. Torneu-nos els nostres drets fonamentals.
  • Nosaltres, els treballadors, exigim que ENCUENTRO intervengui i que s’aturin les mesures violentes i la dura repressió!
  • etiqueta de marca
  • entrada principal de la fàbrica

La Federación de Trabajadores Generales de Myanmar (FGWM) informa sobre una huelga laboral que se está llevando a cabo actualmente en la fábrica de Sen Yu Clothings Myanmar Co., Ltd. Esta se encuentra dentro de la zona industrial de Shwe Lin Ban, en el municipio de Hlaingtharyar, en Yangón, y cuenta con unos 500 trabajadores, que están en huelga desde el 7 de enero de 2026.

Es la tercera huelga en esta fábrica en los últimos 12 meses debido a la gestión abusiva, el robo de salarios y las horas extras obligatorias. La fábrica produce para Encuentro Moda, una marca de ropa con sede en Barcelona y tiendas repartidas principalmente por toda España.

Partes implicadas:
☆ Sen Yu Clothing Myanmar Co. Ltd.
N.º 44, Bamar Atwin Wun Road, Zona Industrial Shwe Lin Pan, Hlaing Tharyar, Myanmar.
☆ ENCUENTRO Modas SL
Calle Dén Draper, 32 Pol. Ind. Valldegata Arenys De Mar, 08350
☆ Federación de Trabajadores Generales de Myanmar (FGWM) y los 500 trabajadores de la fábrica

Exterior view of Sen Yu Clothings (Myanmar) Ltd, a green building with a large entrance and security gate, featuring two individuals near the entrance.

FGWM te invita a unirte a estos trabajadores en la lucha por salarios dignos, el fin de las horas extras obligatorias y el fin de la gestión abusiva.

Estas son sus demandas:

  1. Aumentar el salario diario de 10 500 MMK a 12 000 MMK (aproximadamente 4,85 EUR), un aumento modesto para hacer frente al coste de la vida.
  2. Aumentar la remuneración por horas extras de 1950 MMK a 2500 MMK por hora (aproximadamente 1 EUR), una compensación justa por el trabajo adicional.
  3. Despedir al director de la línea de producción (All-Line Super), que ha abusado sistemáticamente de los trabajadores, ha emitido advertencias falsas, ha obligado a realizar horas extras y ha eludido a RR. HH. para expulsar físicamente a los trabajadores de la fábrica.
  4. Despedir al director de control de calidad de acabados, que ha participado en las mismas prácticas abusivas y de represalia.

Estas demandas abordan tanto las necesidades económicas inmediatas como la destitución de los directivos que han creado un entorno laboral hostil y abusivo, caracterizado por despidos arbitrarios, trabajo forzoso y venganzas personales contra los trabajadores.

Instamos a la dirección de la fábrica Sen Yu a que…

  1. ¡Asegúrense de que el Comité de Coordinación del Lugar de Trabajo represente a los trabajadores, no a los intereses de la dirección!
  2. ¡Pongan fin de inmediato a toda violencia, amenaza e intimidación contra los trabajadores!
  3. ¡Entablen negociaciones de buena fe con los representantes de los trabajadores!
  4. ¡Satisfagan las cuatro demandas de los trabajadores sin represalias!
  5. ¡Dejen de entrevistar a trabajadores sustitutos y se comprometan a resolver este conflicto con los empleados actuales!
  6. ¡Permitan la formación de sindicatos independientes sin interferencias!

En la fábrica Sen Yu se producen prendas principalmente para ENCUENTRO Moda, una marca con sede en Barcelona. Debido a la huelga en curso, los jefes amenazaron a los trabajadores con emprender acciones legales, lo que normalmente significa llamar al ejército.

Instamos a ENCUENTRO, como marca implicada que se beneficia directamente de las condiciones laborales, a…

  1. ¡Intervenir inmediatamente para presionar a la dirección de la fábrica a que satisfaga las demandas de los trabajadores!
  2. ¡Llevar a cabo investigaciones independientes sobre los patrones de abuso documentados!
  3. ¡Garantizar que ningún trabajador sufra represalias por participar en esta protesta!
  4. ¡Implementar medidas sólidas de supervisión y reparación!
  5. ¡Considerar la suspensión de los pedidos hasta que se garanticen los derechos fundamentales!

La huelga actual no es un incidente aislado. Los trabajadores de Sen Yu se han visto obligados a organizar acciones colectivas en múltiples ocasiones durante los últimos dos años debido a violaciones persistentes y graves de sus derechos:

  • Enero de 2026: Paro laboral actual por demandas salariales, gestión abusiva y represalias violentas.
  • Octubre de 2025: Huelga de más de 1000 trabajadores en protesta por el robo de salarios y las horas extras forzadas no remuneradas.
  • Abril de 2025: Paro laboral para exigir salarios dignos y el fin de las horas extras forzadas.
  • Febrero de 2025: Denuncias de confiscación de teléfonos, abuso verbal, amenazas y denegación de bajas médicas.
  • Diciembre de 2024: Documentación de explotación laboral infantil y horas extras forzadas sin remuneración.
  • Noviembre de 2024: Trabajadores obligados a firmar acuerdos de horas extras bajo amenaza de despido.

En esta situación, los trabajadores solicitan a ENCUENTRO que intervenga y resuelva la situación lo antes posible. Se pide a los sindicatos vinculados a ENCUENTRO que apoyen la huelga y se pongan en contacto con la marca para tratar este asunto.

La situación se ha agravado peligrosamente. Los trabajadores informan que el 9 de enero de 2026:

  • Cuando los trabajadores bloquearon los camiones contenedores para exigir negociaciones, la propietaria de la fábrica propinó patadas a los trabajadores.
  • Se llamó a la policía local para que agrediera físicamente a los trabajadores.
  • La dirección de la fábrica comenzó a entrevistar a trabajadores sustitutos en lugar de negociar de buena fe.
  • La dirección amenazó con que los supervisores demandarían a los trabajadores por exigir su destitución.

Ya es hora de que aumente la presión sobre la dirección y que las cosas mejoren definitivamente para todos los trabajadores de la fábrica.

  • Los trabajadores se reúnen en la fábrica.
  • Pancarta n.º 1: Detengan la opresión de los trabajadores. Se deben respetar nuestros derechos. Pancarta n.º 2: Los trabajadores no son máquinas. Exigimos dignidad y justicia. Pancarta n.º 3: Detengan la represión contra los trabajadores. Acabemos con la violencia y la intimidación. Cinta n.º 4: Dejen de maltratar a los trabajadores. Devuélvanos nuestros derechos fundamentales.
  • Nosotros, los trabajadores, exigimos que ENCUENTRO intervenga y que cesen las medidas violentas y la dura represión.
  • etiqueta de marca
  • Entrada principal a la fábrica

Solidarity Wins – Conditions at Hang Kei factory improved!

☆ auf Deutsch ☆

A major victory was achieved at Hang Kei Myanmar Garment Factory Ltd following an internationally coordinated effort by grassroot labour unions.

Key data:

  • Factory owned by Hang Kei Garment Co. Ltd with its head office in Hong Kong / a subsidiary company of Koon Ngai Garment Factory Ltd based in Hong Kong as well.
  • The factory is located in the Yangon industrial area with more than 1000 workers.
  • Products: lingerie
  • Brands: Hunkemöller (Hunkemöller International B.V. based in Hilversum, Netherlands and Worcestershire, UK) | La Vie En Rose (owned by Boutique La Vie en Rose Inc. based in Montreal, Canada) | My Specials (belongs to Women’Secret based in Madrid, Spain)

For many months Hang Kei Myanmar Garment Factory has made negative headlines. At the beginning of April 2025 we received news of positive changes inside the factory.

Chronology of events:

March 8th (Day of Feminist Struggles): Internationally coordinated actions inside factories of Myanmar and outside shops of companies placing orders at those factories. Main theme “Menstrual products for all who need them!”.
Among others Hunkemöller was confronted with the demands put together by factory workers on the ground. The factory management of Hang Kei Myanmar Garment Factory Ltd was reached out to internationally as well.

March 17th: An audit team (from Hunkemöller), incl. doctors, visits the factory and also speaks to the workers.

April 7th: Factory management reacts and presents the changes applied following the six demands put forward by the workers. May Su Lwin works at Hang Kei factory in Yangon and reports about the recent changes:

May 8th: An audit team visits the factory again to check, if the changes are adopted correctly.

June 1st: May Su Lwin confirmed at an online meeting between FGWM and ICL Working Group Asia that the structural changes are still being maintained and the situation for the many workers has improved noticeably.

We do see the positive changes inside the factory and appreciate the efforts by Hunkemöller and the factory management. At the same time we emphasize that we keep monitoring the developments on the ground closely and are always ready to escalate the struggle again.

Menstrual products for all who need them!
Global solidarity is our weapon!

The following grassroot labour organisations were involved in this coordination:
☆ Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM)
☆ International Confederation of Labour (ICL-CIT) Working Group Asia
☆ Syndicates and individual members of the Free Workers’ Union (FAU) in various cities

contact: asia@icl-cit.org

Ein bedeutender Erfolg wurde in der Fabrik der Hang Kei Myanmar Garment Factory Ltd. erzielt, nachdem sich auf internationaler Ebene Basisgewerkschaften zusammengetan hatten.

Eckdaten:

  • Fabrik im Besitz von Hang Kei Garment Co. Ltd mit Hauptsitz in Hongkong / eine Tochtergesellschaft von Koon Ngai Garment Factory Ltd, ebenfalls mit Sitz in Hongkong.
  • Die Fabrik befindet sich im Industriegebiet von Yangon und beschäftigt mehr als 1000 Arbeiter*innen.
  • Produkte: Dessous/ Unterwäsche
  • Marken: Hunkemöller (Hunkemöller International B.V. mit Sitz in Hilversum, Niederlande, und Worcestershire, Großbritannien) | La Vie En Rose (im Besitz von Boutique La Vie en Rose Inc. mit Sitz in Montreal, Kanada) | My Specials (gehört zu Women’Secret mit Sitz in Madrid, Spanien)

Seit vielen Monaten sorgt die Bekleidungsfabrik Hang Kei Myanmar für negative Schlagzeilen. Anfang April 2025 erhielten wir jedoch Nachrichten über positive Veränderungen innerhalb der Fabrik.

Was ist passiert?

08. März (Feministischer Kampftag): International koordinierte Aktionen in Fabriken in Myanmar und vor Filialen von Unternehmen, die Aufträge an diese Fabriken vergeben. Schwerpunkt: „Menstruationsprodukte für alle, die sie brauchen!“.
Unter anderem wurde Hunkemöller mit den Forderungen konfrontiert, die von den Fabrikarbeiter*innen vor Ort zusammengetragen wurden. Auch an das Fabrikmanagement der Hang Kei Myanmar Garment Factory Ltd wurde international herangetreten.

17. März: Eine Prüfungskommission (von Hunkemöller), darunter auch Ärzt*innen, besucht die Fabrik und spricht mit den Arbeiter*innen.

07. April: Das Management der Fabrik reagiert und stellt die Änderungen vor, die sie aufgrund der sechs Forderungen der Belegschaft umsetzt. May Su Lwin arbeitet in der Hang Kei-Fabrik in Yangon und berichtet darüber, was konkret verändert wurde:

08. Mai: Die Prüfungskommission besucht die Fabrik erneut, um festzustellen, ob die Änderungen weiterhin bestand haben und vom Management umgesetzt werden.

01. Juni: May Su Lwin bestätigt beim Online-Treffen zwischen FGWM und ICL Arbeitsgruppe Asien, dass die strukturellen Veränderungen weiterhin aufrecht erhalten werden und sich die Situation für die vielen Arbeiter*innen merklich verbessert hat.

Wir nehmen die positiven Veränderungen in der Fabrik wahr und schätzen die Bemühungen von Hunkemöller sowie der Fabrikleitung. Gleichzeitig betonen wir, dass wir die Entwicklungen vor Ort weiterhin genau beobachten und jederzeit bereit sind, den Kampf erneut zu eskalieren.

Menstruationsprodukte für alle, die sie brauchen!
Globale Solidarität ist unsere Waffe!

Die folgenden Basisgewerkschaften waren an dieser Koordinierung beteiligt:

☆ Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM)
☆ International Confederation of Labour (ICL-CIT) Arbeitsgruppe Asien
☆ Syndikate und einzelne Mitglieder der Freien Arbeiter*innen-Union (FAU) in verschiedenen Städten

Kontakt: asia@icl-cit.org

Urgent Call: Support workers in Myanmar after earthquake! (crowdfunding)

For several years the working group Asia of the anarcho-syndicalist International Confederation of Labour (ICL-CIT) has been coordinating actions internationally to pressure brands and factory owners to improve working conditions. The last occasion was the Day of Feminist Struggles on March 8th 2025.

Most of you have probably heard of the massive earthquake that struck many parts of Myanmar killing thousands of people and destroying the homes for hundreds of thousands in the news at the end of March this year. Our friends of the FGWM are struggling to support each other and are calling for support from comrades worldwide. Therefore we initiated a crowdfunding and aim to collect 20 000 EUR:

  • 10 000 EUR: Menstrual pads for 5 000 (factory) workers
  • 10 000 EUR: Solidarity packages for 200 families severely affected by the earthquake

Workers on the ground organised with FGWM are involved in the coordination and decided that they need the following things inside the solidarity packages: 1 x power bank, 1 x mosquito net, as well as 1 x tarpaulin cover for roofing (15 yards). Each package is worth around 50 EUR.

The distribution of the menstrual pads as well as the solidarity packages will be organised by 12 comrades of FGWM.

Listen to Nilar, a comrade of FGWM nearby Mandalay, talking about the situation after the earthquake in March 2025:

Before the earthquake also this video was published to inform about the crowdfunding, back then focussing solely on the availability of menstrual pads.

So far close to 10 000 EUR have been collected (date: May 14th), therefore some support within the next two weeks is needed to still achieve the goal of 20 000 EUR.

There are two ways of contributing:

OPTION #1

via the page on gofundme:

OPTION #2

by transfering contributions directly to the account of the Free Workers’ Union (FAU) Hamburg:

Account holder: AS FAU Hamburg
IBAN: DE43 4306 0967 2070 7898 00
BIC: GENODEM1GLS
Bank name: GLS Bank
Reference: FGWM solidarity

There are also leaflets available for download in English, German or Spanish as well as a poster design.

Turning solidarity into practice – Solidarity not charity!

This crowdfunding is being coordinated by the ICL Working Group Asia together with FGWM and the support of the comrades of FAU.

Questions or comments? Contact: asia@icl-cit.org

FGWM statement: 2 years after the military coup in Myanmar

Statement released by the Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM) to commemorate two years of military dictatorship following the coup in February 2021:

A Statement by the worker mass regarding the 2nd anniversary of 2021 Anti-junta Movements

Date : 5th February 2023

The Military junta forcibly seized power on 1st February 2021. In such miserable times, the public also experienced misleading information such as no public-protesting within 72 hours of the attempted coup. On 5th February, conscious workers of FGWM rose up against the Military Dictatorship. Over 12,000 workers and union leaders from 10 factories began the “Red Ribbon” campaign. On the next day, February 6th, workers and labour unions leaders marched through Insein Road and Parami Sein Gayhar Shopping Mall amidst all the risks and threats, protesting the coup and the military dictatorship. Students, People and Monks who joined the protesting workers will be remembered by our FGWM.

On this 6th February, it has been two years since the worker mass courageously rose up against the coup. As FGWM, we would like to declare to the public that we will vigorously continue our struggle until the fall of the dictatorship along with the workers.

With ultimate faith to the revolution,
Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM)

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Myanmar: FoodPanda and GrabFood Riders on Strike

We received news of riders who went on strike in Myanmar following cuts in pay (fees) on March 16th.

UPDATES

March 23rd

The foodpanda company announced that it had reached an agreement with striking riders as the company settled to increase the delivery rate. At the same time half of the riders are still on strike. They keep fighting for the original rate. It seems that half of the riders resumed back their work with the basic rate of 580 MMK whereas their demand was to get 650 MMK which was paid to them before. (source: riders on the ground + myanmarlabournotes.com)

March 20th

Foodpanda Myanmar stated that the cuts were a technical error. Riders met with the company management, but negotiations were unsuccessful. Therefore the strike continues. (source: myanmarlabournews.com)

GrabFood riders said that they will continue the strike as well – until they get paid the previous rates! (source: myanmarlabournews.com)

The following information is based on reports by Myanmar Labour News (1, 2, 3, 4).

Foodpanda Myanmar

In the morning of March 16th foodpanda Myanmar began to cut rider fees without prior notification, though the contract between the riders and the company states that riders should be informed in advance. In reaction foodpanda riders logged out of their accounts and started a wildcat strike in the capital Yangon and rallied in front of the company headquarter in the city.

According to an involved rider they are now only paid 500-600 MMK (0,25 – 0,30€) for a distance for which they used to get 1000 MMK (0,50€).

Confronted with the protest the foodpanda office pointed the finger at other departments in the company saying it is not responsible.

There are many other problems. Each rider has to pay 85,000 MMK for a rider account. The company cuts off the orders or suspends the accounts, if riders make complaints. Foodpanda also recruits new riders without being able to provide already existing riders with orders. The primary aim of the company is to collect more money with the registration fees from new riders.
The company is accused of customer manipulation. Promoting itself with “free delivery” services, but then charging fees because of a “system error”.

Only a day before also riders in Mandalay went on strike in reaction to the cuts.

Foodpanda is the lead brand of Delivery Hero in Asia.

The Berlin-based company forecast full-year revenue in a range of 9.5 billion to 10.5 billion euros ($10.85 billion to $12 billion), and a negative margin on core profit of 1% to 1.2% for 2022.

source: nasdaq.com

GrabFood Myanmar

GrabFood riders in Yangon are on strike due to the sudden changes in payments. Now riders get 10 orders at most. As a result they don’t even bring home 10,000 MMK (5,07€) after a full day of work. Late night of March 14th the office suddenly informed the riders that rates will be changed the following day on.

A GrabFood rider stated that he gave up after two days of strike. According to him some riders are getting back to work since many of them struggle to survive. Nonetheless others manage to uphold the strike.

The new payment rates set by GrabFood Myanmar are the following:

DistanceRate
0-1 km600 MMK (0,30€)
1-2 km900 MMK (0,45€)
3-4 km1200-1700 MMK (0,61 – 0,86€)
20 km7600 MMK (3,86€)

About 300 riders in more than four zones are currently on strike. Their main demand is to get the rate they were paid before.

Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading superapp based on GMV in 2020 in each of food deliveries, mobility and the e-wallets segment of financial services, according to Euromonitor. Grab operates across the deliveries, mobility and digital financial services sectors in over 400 cities in eight countries in the Southeast Asia region – Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. […]
GMV for deliveries grew 63% YoY to hit an all-time high of $2.3 billion.

source: grab.com

Currently riders are asked how they can be supported. Once we have an answer, you will find any call for solidarity on globalmayday.net.

#RidersUnited

Aufruf zur Internationalen Solidarität mit dem Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM)

Der folgenden Aufruf wurde von den Basisgewerkschaften Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM) und All Burma Federation of Trade Unions (ABFTU) sowie dem Kollektiv Food Not Bombs Myanmar – mit Unterstützung der Arbeitsgruppe Asien der Internationalen Konföderation der Arbeiter*innen (IKA) – verfasst und eingereicht. Dieser kann auch hier als .pdf-Datei heruntergeladen werden.

Übersetzungen: Englisch | Spanisch

Aufruf zur internationalen Solidarität mit dem Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) in Myanmar

Liebe Genoss*innen von der Internationalen Konföderation der Arbeiter*innen, dem Global May Day Netzwerk und anderen emanzipatorischen Gruppen weltweit,

seit Anfang Februar gehen wir – zivile Basisgruppen und -organisationen in Myanmar – auf die Straße um gegen die Militärjunta zu kämpfen, die sich mit einem Putsch nach den Wahlen im vergangenen November wieder an die Spitze der Regierung gesetzt hat. Der Putsch hat massive Konsequenzen für uns: Unter anderem werden Freiheiten, die in den vergangenen Jahren und Jahrzehnten erkämpft worden waren, wieder zurück genommen. Von Anfang an haben wir in den Fabriken die Arbeiter*innen mobilisiert und maßgeblich die CDM Bewegung geprägt.

Wir kämpfen gegen die Militärregierung und ihr faschistisches Regime, für eine neue Verfassung und eine föderale Demokratie. Alle politischen Gefangenen müssen sofort frei gelassen werden!

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Call for International Solidarity with CDM in Myanmar

The following call was written by the Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM), All Burma Federation of Trade Unions (ABFTU) as well as Food not Bombs Myanmar – with the support of the Asia Working Group of the International Confederation of Labour (ICL). It can also be downloaded as a .pdf.

Translations: Deutsch | español

Call for International Solidarity
with Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) in Myanmar

Dear comrades with the International Confederation of Labour (ICL), the Global May Day network and other emancipatory groups worldwide!

Since February, we, grassroot organisations in Myanmar, have been taking to the streets to resist the military junta, which forced itself back into authoritarian power with a coup after elections in November last year.

The coup has severe consequences for us, among others resulting in a roll-back of liberties achieved in the past few years and decades.

From the start we have been mobilizing inside the factories and shaped the CDM across the country.

We fight for the abolition of the military leadership and its fascist regime as well as a new constitution implementing full federal democracy. All political prisoners must be released immediately!

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