6 September, 2010
The military junta ruling Burma have handed employers increased powers in their efforts to eliminate trade union rights in the country. New legislation passed on 20 August will enable employers to sack any worker involved in industrial protest of any kind. The sacked workers will also be blacklisted. “If they don’t want to be jobless, they won’t protest” a military official was quoted as saying.
Previously Burmese authorities have dealt with industrial action by imprisoning protest organizers. The change in tactic of the military government is said to be due to increasing criticism from the international community. Now it will be impossible for workers to conduct protests of any kind, for better rights or conditions.
The new law was decreed at a meeting in the capital Rangoon, and was drawn up by industry employers, government ministers and Burmese military officials.
March 2010 saw workers’ protests, in industrial zones Shwe Pyi Thar, Taung Dagon and Hlaing Thayar, demanding time off during public holidays and increases in overtime pay and salaries.
In March, workers at industries such as launched protests demanding employers give them time off during public holidays and increase their salaries and payments for working overtime hours.
Burmese industrial workers earn between US$20-US$40 per month, far less than a living wage.