By Ma Ma - Feb 19, 2025
Military-controlled labour activists are urging people to post comments on social media opposing economic sanctions under Article 33 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Constitution, according to workers.
The military-controlled Ministry of Labour is currently mobilizing former trade union members who had previously resigned for various reasons, in an effort to oppose potential sanctions under ILO Article 33.
"Factory union representatives were called to a meeting on January 22 and told to oppose Article 33 to avoid military conscription under the new law. They were instructed to post comments on Facebook stating their opposition to Article 33," said a worker from Eslite Garment factory.
The Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) has also condemned the use of trade union names and logos by those who resigned, issuing an official statement on January 30 listing the individuals involved.
According to the statement, those who resigned from the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM) include U Thaung Nyunt, while former IWFM members who officially stepped down in August 2020 and February 2021 include U Myo Myint, U Myo Zaw Thet, U Myo Thet Soe, U Soe Min Hlaing, and U Ye Thu Ya. Additionally, Daw Mya Hnin Thet, a former IWFM general secretary and CTUM central committee member, had notified the union of her resignation in the early days following the 2021 military coup.
The Deputy Minister of Labour has also been frequently meeting with pro-military trade unions in industrial zone halls, delivering speeches, and issuing statements through the ministry’s media channels.
"This is a difficult situation, and we understand that. Many will suffer if Myanmar faces sanctions under Article 33. But continuing like this isn’t benefiting us either. There is no rule of law anymore. There are no rest days. Everything is dictated by the military’s orders. So, we can’t just live in fear," said a former basic trade union member.
Those cooperating with the military are actively opposing Article 33 sanctions, posting on social media, and mobilizing factory workers to support their cause.
Trade unions and labour activists opposing military rule have faced arrests, imprisonment, and killings since the coup,. Additionally, factory workers have been subjected to forced labour and forced military conscription under oppressive conditions.
