Shop Owner Jailed for Giving Salary Hike to Employees in Myanmar
In a shocking reflection of Myanmar's turbulent political landscape, a shopkeeper has been jailed for giving his employees a raise amidst the country's soaring inflation. The arrest of Pyae Phyo Zaw, a shop owner who ran three cellphone stores, highlights the oppressive measures taken by Myanmar's military government to stifle any perceived dissent or disruption to their control. The New York Times reported that Pyae Phyo Zaw was detained by soldiers from the military junta, who also shut down his shops. His crime? Offering his workers a much-needed salary increase to help them cope with skyrocketing prices. Zaw's situation is not unique; he is one of at least ten other shopkeepers who have been imprisoned for similar actions. These business owners now face up to three years in prison under a vaguely-worded law that the regime uses to quash any sign of dissent. Despite the arrests, wage increases have not been explicitly outlawed in Myanmar. However, the mi...
