Myanmar’s trade unions at the forefront of fight against forced labor

For over three years, Myanmar’s democratic movement has fought against a military junta that relies on forced labor and brutal repression to maintain control. Trade unions are central to the resistance, but labor activists face severe retaliation.

Khaing Zar Aung, president of the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar, has been forced into exile but continues to campaign against the regime’s use of forced labor. She is now a prominent voice for workers’ rights and democracy. On being awarded the Arthur Svennson International Prize for Trade Union Rights, she shared the work of Myanmar’s labor resistance against forced labor and dictatorship.

The movement is undeterred 

Since the 2021 military coup, the junta has unleashed violence, killing, torturing, and displacing millions. Over 8,000 civilians, including trade unionists, have died, and at least 26,799 people have been detained. Trade unionists are particularly targeted; many leaders have been arrested or forced into hiding. The regime has blacklisted Khaing Zar and her colleagues, declaring their passports void and issuing state treason charges.

Despite these conditions, Khaing Zar holds out hope and believes Myanmar’s democratic forces are stronger than ever. The military has been losing control of more and more areas of the country.

“Slave work”

While Myanmar’s workers face dire conditions, global brands and an EU-backed “Made in Myanmar” project exploit cheap labor under the pretext of job creation. According to Khaing Zar, “What they provide is slave work.”

Jacobin shares her statement on how multinational companies benefit from the regime’s suppression of labor rights, while workers endure sixteen-hour days for poverty wages, producing garments for European consumers.

Under this military regime, any talk of “heightened due diligence” is nothing but window-dressing. Show me one brand that has stopped the countless arrests, torture, and murders of trade unionists fighting for decent work in their factories. They can’t stop it, of course, because it is not possible. Brands claim to do due diligence, but their so-called “responsible business conduct” is simply impossible under a military dictatorship.

Khaing Zar called for an immediate and responsible exit of these brands, stating, “No more excuses: global brands must responsibly exit Myanmar.”

Military conscription extended

Last year, the International Labour Organization (ILO) condemned the junta for forced labor and suppression of union activity, urging a restoration of civil liberties. However, rather than complying, the military expanded its conscription efforts as it continues to lose the war. This February, Myanmar’s regime enacted a compulsory national service law. This law mandates all men aged eighteen to thirty-five and women aged eighteen to twenty-seven to serve up to two years. Additionally, professionals like doctors face extended service requirements of up to three years.

The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has condemned the move as “a sign of the regime’s weakness and desperation.” Despite international criticism, the junta continues to exploit its citizens, forcing them into military service.

Despite everything, Khaing Zar believes, “We can win, and we will win.”