Phyo/Saint San Yay – November 2
An individual with firsthand experience of the matter told the Statesman Journal that the agency claimed Myanmar workers recruited into the Russian army would return to their contracted jobs after completing two months of military training.
He also stated that, according to the employment agreement for a job at an electronics factory in Russia, signed with an agency, there was no provision requiring employees to serve in the Russian army.
“While we signed the agreement, there was no mention of the military. We only agreed to work in manufacturing and electronics, not in an army compound. There was also no provision requiring us to work on military materials. But things changed when the workers arrived there,” he said.
The source said that upon arriving in Chita, Russia, the workers were taken to a Russian military base and forced to serve in the military.
“A Russian official threatened that if we did not comply with their orders, we could be sent to prison or deported,” he said.
He also said that the agency responsible for recruiting and sending the workers to Russia had not negotiated to ensure they could work in the jobs specified in their original contracts.
He said, “The agency followed us to Moscow but did not negotiate with us. According to the agency, it was true that we were supposed to take up the jobs specified in our signed contracts. However, before that, we would have to undergo two months of training at the military unit. Afterward, we would be required to proceed to the jobs stipulated in our original contracts. But we refused to accept that condition. The agency was aware that the work would take place within the military and it was also in contact with the Russian military officer who had come to persuade and recruit us.”
Furthermore, he mentioned that there have been claims by a Russian military officer that workers from Myanmar were purchased at a rate of 5,000 US dollars per person.
He said, “He also claimed that we had been purchased from Myanmar for $5,000 per person.”
However, he said they had not received any of that money and had to cover their own expenses, including travel costs, spending approximately 20 million kyats of their own money.
It is reported that the workers subsequently contacted the Myanmar Military Attaché’s Office in Russia to request assistance, and with the office's help, they were able to return to Myanmar. –
