The German sportswear company JAKO and the Spanish clothes shop Zara have decided to cease business in Myanmar in the wake of many worker arrests by military authorities. This action demonstrates the businesses’ dedication to the welfare of their employees in the face of rising tensions and infractions of labour laws in the area.
JAKO, which is represented by SUN Apparel Myanmar Co. Ltd in the Hlaingtharyar Township of the Yangon Region, made the choice after the junta detained two SUN Apparel factory employees. Workers in Yangon who were demanding pay raises were held at the end of June, bringing this incident to light. The junta charged them with collaborating and associating with illegal organisations, which had an effect on how the workers interacted in the plant.
In a similar vein, the Spanish clothing juggernaut Zara said that its production partner, Inditex Company, too has plans to leave Myanmar. This choice was made following the 14thJune arrest of 10 workers, some of whom worked in garment factories for JAKO and Zara.
These actions take place at a time when the Myanmar garment industry is under increased attention for abuses of labour rights. The sector, which produces goods for major US and European businesses, has come under fire for widespread claims of forced overtime, a failure to raise the minimum wage, and firing union members. The International Labour Organisation Charter and improved respect to workers’ rights have been priorities for the European Union.
