Labour Organizations Criticize Military Council’s Reshuffle of Labour Minister

By Mu Dra - Feb 04, 2025

The Military Council reshuffled its ministers on January 31, including the Minister of Labour, which has drawn criticism from labour organizations.

The Military Council removed U Myint Naung, who had been serving as Minister of Labour for over a year, and appointed U Chit Swe as his replacement.

Both domestic and international labour organizations have raised concerns that labour issues in Myanmar due to this reshuffle, as well as those affecting Myanmar migrant workers abroad, may face stricter regulations.

“When looking at this reshuffle, former Minister of Labour U Myint Naung had been working for over a year under the Military Council. During his tenure, he ensured significant revenue generation for the junta from the labour sector, including imposing a 25% income tax on overseas workers. Domestically, labour rights issues were left unresolved. However, he was very loyal to the junta and worked hard in their favor. Now that he has been removed and replaced by U Chit Swe, we don’t know yet how strict he will be. But the Military Council’s next appointment could be even worse than the previous one,” said an official from a labour organization.

Among the Myanmar migrant worker community, concerns are growing due to the military conscription law, which restricts men aged 23 to 35 from leaving the country for work. Additionally, Myanmar men already working abroad within this age group are being notified that they must return to fulfill their military service obligations if required.

Because of this, labour organizations believe the reshuffle of the Minister of Labour is part of the Military Council’s plan to tighten control over labour issues in Myanmar.

On January 31, the Military Council also removed Dr. Thet Thet Khine, Minister of Hotels and Tourism, and U Min Thein Zan, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, alongside U Myint Naung.

The new ministerial appointments include U Chit Swe as Minister of Labour, Jeng Phang Naw Taung as Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, and U Kyaw Soe Win as Minister of Hotels and Tourism.