Myanmar workers allege abuse, exploitation at Chinese garment factory; 50 reportedly detained

Reports of labour exploitation and physical abuse involving Myanmar migrant workers at a garment factory in China’s Yunnan Province have prompted calls for intervention from Chinese authorities and the release of dozens of detained workers. A group assisting the workers says at least 50 remain in police custody following a labour dispute at the Ruili City Xinqiang Garment Co., Ltd. factory in Wanding, a border town near Myanmar’s northern Shan State. According to Kyaw Thu Ya, chair of the Taungoo-based Save the Trees Rescue Team, the factory employs between 300 and 400 migrant workers from Myanmar, many recruited from Yangon and Magway regions through labour brokers. Workers allege the factory routinely violated labour rights by reducing wages, denying legally permitted leave, and failing to pay full overtime compensation. The grievances intensified after a severe water shortage in April left workers without access to usable water for nearly a week. Workers said management eventually allowed employees to bathe in the nearby Wanding River. During one such trip on April 3, a 21-year-old Myanmar woman reportedly drowned and disappeared. Fellow workers accused the company of failing to organise a search despite repeated requests. The missing worker’s four relatives, who were also employed at the factory, were subsequently dismissed and sent back to Myanmar, according to workers interviewed by Myanmar Now. Many workers reportedly arrived at the factory through informal recruitment agencies, paying broker fees of 5,800 yuan (about US$860). The debt was repaid through monthly deductions from their salaries, workers said. Basic wages reportedly ranged from 1,200 yuan ($177) to 1,800 yuan ($265) per month, with additional deductions reducing take-home pay. Tensions escalated on May 17 when three workers attempted to flee the factory. Workers and labour advocates claim factory security guards chased and beat the men with iron rods, causing serious injuries. The injured workers were allegedly denied immediate medical treatment and locked inside a vehicle, while employees’ mobile phones were confiscated to prevent information from spreading. Police later arrived at the factory after a separate theft complaint and reportedly discovered the injured workers, who were taken to a hospital. Workers say no action was taken against factory management. Tensions related to the incident and other issues continued to escalate, with many of the workers threatening to leave. Then, on June 3, police arrived and detained 55 Myanmar workers involved in the dispute. According to Kyaw Thu Ya, five have since returned to Myanmar, while 50 remain in detention. Myanmar Now contacted the Chinese embassy in Yangon for comment but has not received a response. Labour advocates are seeking legal action and demanding accountability, compensation and the release of the detained workers.

Myanmar workers allege abuse, exploitation at Chinese garment factory; 50 reportedly detained

Workers say tensions had been simmering for months, with one person drowning and others being beaten for attempting to escape

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