TAIPEI: A coalition of migrant rights groups has accused a Taiwanese manufacturer, Wise Unicorn, operating in Myanmar, of collaborating with the local junta to suppress striking workers. The accusations come amid a dispute over unpaid bonuses and demands for higher wages at the company's Yangon factory.

According to Focus Taiwan, the coalition, which includes organizations such as the Taiwan Association for Human Rights and the Taiwan International Workers' Association, staged a protest outside Wise Unicorn's Taipei office. They claim the company failed to pay workers their bonuses, prompting a strike by more than 230 employees. The workers are demanding a daily wage increase to 9,000 kyats and overtime pay of 2,000 kyats per hour.

The rights groups allege that Wise Unicorn responded to the strike by involving the Myanmar military, who reportedly intimidated workers by driving military vehicles around the factory and taking the names of strikers. Additionally, the groups are calling for the reinstatement of over 50 workers who were laid off during the strike.

Shih Yi-hsiang, a senior researcher at the Taiwan Association for Human Rights, criticized Wise Unicorn for infringing on workers' rights and tarnishing the reputation of Taiwanese businesses. Wu Jing-ru from the Taiwan International Workers' Association reported incidents of physical assault by supervisors at the factory. The case has been referred to the International Labor Organization, and there are plans to involve the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in hopes of imposing a temporary import ban on Wise Unicorn products.

In response, Wise Unicorn's owner, identified as Ms. Kao, stated that the company had previously granted a salary increase in July and rejected the workers' demands based on this. She also mentioned reaching an out-of-court settlement with employees who accused supervisors of assault, denying any misconduct by the management and asserting compliance with Myanmar's laws.