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Rights groups blast Burma's labor record
Irrawaddy - September 21, 2010
Asian human rights groups have condemned the Burmese regime for its new decree that restricts workers' rights by banning labor protests with threats of recrimination.
A new government regulation says that any worker who launches or takes part in industrial protests demanding better rights or conditions could be fired and blacklisted.
"We strongly condemn the military junta of Burma for its new decree to curb workers' rights to form trade unions and its harsh punishments against any industrial action," said a joint statement released by Asian campaign groups initiated by the Working People Association (Indonesia) and Network of Progressive Youth Burma.
Asian regional rights groups that have signed the statement include the Confederation Congress of Indonesia Union Alliance; the All Nepal Federation of Trade Unions; the Socialist Party of Malaysia; Socialist Alliance (Australia); and Socialist Alternative (Australia). Any rights groups can join the signature campaign and sent it via e-mail through the address: e-mail international@prp-indonesia.org.
Despite several attempts by Burmese labor rights activists and lawyers to register independent labor unions, the regime has turned down the applications, said the joint statement.
On June 23, the Burmese regime again rejected an application to form a "Burma National Labor Union." In the absence of independent labor unions and other channels, such as a free press, to express their grievances, workers in Burma remain exploited by both foreign and local factory owners, the statement said.
In the statement, the groups said, "They have no means to demand all workers' rights: adequate pay, proper working conditions and personal security. Therefore, we the undersigned organizations and political parties declare our solidarity with the struggle of Burma's working class, and hereby demand: new regulations to prevent labour rights are abolished; any form of repression of workers by factory owners or government agencies are rejected; and full democratic rights are granted to workers, including the right to organize, build independent trade unions and form political parties."
Burmese authorities decreed the new regulation that restricts workers on Aug. 20 at a meeting in Rangoon attended by industry employers, government ministers and Burmese military officials, including Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defense.
Burmese activists, however, said that the new regulation also seems to be a tool for the government to prevent further protest against the regime.
In March, workers in some industries in Rangoon launched protests demanding employers give them time off during public holidays and increase their salaries and pay for working overtime hours. An industrial worker in Burma earns about US $20-40 a month. Many must work overtime to increase their income.
Historically, labor movements have played a big role in the Burmese people's struggles against colonialism and fascist military dictatorships. Burma has experienced two big uprisings in its history in which workers played the leading role, together with students and the general public: the "anti-colonial uprising" and the student-led, pro-democracy demonstrations in 1988.
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