An activist aiding workers informed Than Lwin Times that the Junta's rule post-coup in Myanmar resulted in the loss of nearly all labor rights, accompanied by daily violations of workers' rights.
On May 1, marking the 134th International Workers' Day (May Day), Myanmar's trade unions and workers proposed for fair wages, improved working conditions, and the formation of a federal union.
The co-chair of the New Light Federation of Labor Unions Myanmar (NLF) highlighted that workers in Myanmar are facing significantly low wages alongside overt coercion and violations of their rights in workplaces.
"The foremost concern for Myanmar workers today is the dire situation of extremely low wages. With the steep rise in the cost of living, it is putting immense strain on their families' livelihood. They are also grappling with the near-total erosion of their workplace rights and facing coercion. Employers are shamelessly leveraging the coup to further exploit workers. Amidst multiple crises, workers are primarily focused on retaining their jobs, often at the expense of enduring exploitation by employers”, he elaborated.
The imposition of the conscription law by the Junta has exacerbated the situation, prompting numerous workers in Myanmar to flee abroad due to the fear of being forcefully drafted into the military. Those who remain in the country are similarly troubled, constantly fearing the prospect of being forcibly conscripted by Junta soldiers, even during late-night returns home.
According to labor rights activist Ko Sai Yu Maung, Myanmar workers had been deprived of their rightful rights even before the coup, but the situation deteriorated significantly afterward, with those advocating for their rights now facing legally oppressive tactics.
" Before the coup, we could voice our concerns, though our rights were partially limited. But now, speaking up often costs us our jobs, so nobody speaks out anymore. The unity among workers to demand our rights has vanished entirely. No one dares to lead anymore. Previously, we had only about half of our rights. Now, all our rights are being trampled, and we fear legal repercussions for even speaking up”, he explained.
A youth leader of Solidarity of Trade Union Myanmar (STUM) also emphasized the erosion of freedoms such as expression, speech, association under the oppressive rule of the coup regime, also pointing out the concerning practice of employers resorting to armed personnel to settle disputes with workers.
The Junta's propaganda newspapers claimed that authorities are diligently ensuring favorable employment opportunities for expatriate Myanmar workers abroad while safeguarding their rights and intending to facilitate the effective reintegration of their gained work experience upon their return.
The Ministry of Labor under the Junta also announced in October that the daily minimum wage for Myanmar workers has been increased from 4800 MMK to 5800 MMK.
In 1884, the Congress of the American Federation of Labor agreed that beginning on May 1, 1886, the workday would be restricted to 8 hours, a decision that has since become emblematic of workers' defiance against employer coercion.
In 1889, the 2nd International Socialist Conference convened in Paris and officially designated May 1 as International Workers' Day.
Nowadays, many countries worldwide, including Myanmar, commemorate May Day, observing it as an international public holiday.
