Workers of Korean-owned factory paid compensation
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Workers at Master Sport Garment Factory, whose South Korean owner ran away a few months ago, have been compensated for overdue salaries and damages.
The ceremony offering compensation to the workers took place at Kanaung Hall, Hlaing Tharyar Township, on October 17 after the government sold the factory and its equipment through a tender.
“The ministry is taking measures to prevent another incident like that of Master Sport factory. The workers who came here today lost their jobs not because of their fault but because of their irresponsible employer. So I request that they be offered appropriate jobs on a priority,” said Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Aye Myint.
The government received Ks 288 million (US$ 288,000) from the sale of the factory and its equipment.
Total compensation of Ks 230 million (230,000) was paid out to 757 workers, according to Win Shein, director-general of the Factories and General Labour Law Inspection Department.
“There are some differences between salaries and compensation for damages. Some received less than the amount they were entitled to. Concerned officials have said they will review it,” said Tun Naing, a representative of the workers.
A Yangon court in August ruled that Master Sports pay compensation to the workers who were suddenly laid off in June.
The company's owner left the country shortly after shutting down the factory on June 26. Some 700 workers protested in the following month, demanding for compensation.
