Workers from Packraft Myanmar backpack factory go on strike
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About 500 workers from the Packraft Myanmar backpack factory in Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone (2) have staged a protest in the front of the factory, which is owned by a South Korean citizen. The workers have made nine demands, including salary increases.
The round-the-clock protest comes after the workers failed to reach an agreement with officials from the factory.
“We have agreed to seven out of nine points. But officials said they would only increase salaries by Ks 10,000 [per month], even though we asked for Ks 30,000. Another point is that we don’t like working under the direct management of foreigners. They do not treat us with respect. We cannot accept these conditions. We are still pushing for these two points. We will continue protesting around the clock,” said Mar Lar San, a worker from the factory.
“We are still negotiating with the workers, said U Kyaw, the factory manager. "We have increased their salaries. Now the basic pay is over Ks 100,000 [per month]. But they have to work for 64 hours overtime."
The workers have been protesting since November 8.
