Thursday, February 18, 2010

Strike in garment factory called off

 
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 21:29 Mizzima News

New Delhi (Mizzima) - Workers of the Lion City garment factory called off their strike this evening even though no settlement was arrived at over their demand for increase in wages.

The work stoppage began yesterday evening when over 80 workers demanded that the wages be increased but the owner refused to pay heed.

The protest ended at 5 p.m. today but there was no settlement between the workers and the management,” said a resident living near the factory, which has over 200 workers.

The striking workers demanded official holidays, an increase in basic pay of 20,000 Kyat (20 US$) and doubling of overtime pay up from 100 Kyat an hour.

“Factory work came to a halt,” said an eyewitness.

The factory is said to be owned by a Korean. Regime officials were closely monitoring the situation, fearing the protests would spread into anti-government demonstrations in the military-ruled country, which is under the vice like grip of the junta.

However, an official in the factory contacted by Mizzima refused to comment.

Recently there has been a spurt in demonstrations against low wages and for labour rights. The last reported work stoppage was in Hlaingtharyar industrial zone on February 9, where at least 2000 workers from three different factories ceased work.