Myanmar’s Apparel Industry Grapples With New Minimum Wage

Garment factory workers walk to work from their dormitories on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Gar

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Garment factory workers walk to work from their dormitories on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Garment factory workers walk to work from their dormitories on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Garment factory workers walk to work from their dormitories on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
A factory worker sits in protest outside of the Nadia Pacific Apparel Co. Ltd. on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

A factory worker sits in protest outside of the Nadia Pacific Apparel Co. Ltd. on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers sit in protest outside of the Nadia Pacific Apparel Co. Ltd. on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers sit in protest outside of the Nadia Pacific Apparel Co. Ltd. on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Khin Mar Wai, 28, posed for a portrait near her dormitory on October 13, 2015. She worked at North Shore factory before being laid off around the time of the minimum wage announcement. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Khin Mar Wai, 28, posed for a portrait near her dormitory on October 13, 2015. She worked at North Shore factory before being laid off around the time of the minimum wage announcement. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.
Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Image Credit: Lauren DeCicca

Factory workers listen to their Union Leader speak on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Garment Industries who either refused to increase pay at all, made layoffs to keep expenses the same or cut overtime pay and benefits. Even those garment factory workers who have seen a increase in their daily wages have seen very little change in their salaries overall.

Garment factory workers walk to work from their dormitories on October 13, 2015. On August 29 2015, the government of Myanmar announced a minimum wage of 3,600 kyats (about 3 US$). This slight pay raise was met with hostilities by factory owners in the Gar