A group of Myanmar workers who said they endured "atrocious" working conditions at two garment factories in China have returned home and been reunited with their families, said the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society group and the International Labour Organisation.
The 42 workers, who had been hired by a Myanmar broker to work at factories in the Xiban Industrial Zone at Jinjiang in Fujian Province, returned home on July 11, the 88 Generation group and the ILO said in a joint statement released on July 23.
The return of the workers was arranged after they sought help from family members who contacted the 88 Generation and it then alerted the ILO and the matter was referred to the Anti-Trafficking Police Force, the statement said.
"Following their advice, the workers were able to persuade the Myanmar broker and Chinese employer to arrange for their transport back to the border," said the statement, which urged the governments of both countries to establish mechanisms to protect the rights of Myanmar workers in China.
The 42 workers, including eight women, who were recruited in Ayeyarwady and Bago regions and in Yangon's Hlaingtharya Township, said they were promised K200,000 (about US$205) a month and told they would be provided with food and lodging.
But after they began work they were not paid their due wages, no explanation was given for deductions and they reported being were beaten when they asked for their salaries, the statement said. It also quoted them as saying one worker had died because he could not afford the cost of health care at a factory clinic.
"When the workers could no longer tolerate these conditions they requested permission to leave but were told that they would not be given any assistance to return home," it said, adding they were afraid of being arrested because they were illegal.
The 42 workers were considering taking legal action to seek compensation and wage payment, the statement said.
"ILO standards state that migrant workers, regardless of their legal status, have fundamental labour rights, including remuneration for work performed," it said, adding it was not the first time Myanmar workers had reported harsh conditions at factories in Fujian Province.
It said another group had taken seven days to reach the border after escaping from factories in the area several months ago. "Once home they opened a case against the Myanmar broker under Article 26 of the Law Relating to Overseas Employment," it said.
