News

Signalling the birth of a new vibrant and highly dynamic generation of trade union movement in Myanmar, about four hundred delegates of registered labour organisations participated in the first ever historic Labour Organisations Leaders Forum from 29th -30th April 2013 in Yangon which were supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation (FES).



The delegates elected Daw Than Than Htay, U Than Swe and Dr. Sai Khine Myo Tun as their Workers’ Delegate and two advisors, respectively to the forthcoming 102nd Session of the International Labour Conference to be held in Geneva from June 5 to 20, 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland.



With “Building a New Myanmar” as the forum's theme, the two-day event provided leaders from basic labour organisations opportunities to interact with the leadership of the Council of Global Unions, ILO representatives and various Union Ministries. The issues discussed centered around the enforcement of basic labour laws, particularly with respect to organizing trade unions; collective bargaining; and occupational safety and health.



Representatives of the Council of Global Unions were impressed both on the high turn up of delegates and the intense debate that took place, particularly on the general guidelines in the election of Workers’ Delegate and advisors to 2013 ILC.



“UNI Apro has been monitoring the situation in Myanmar for many years and we are heartened to see the positive development in the country. Even so, more will still need to be done," said Christopher Ng, UNI Apro Regional Secretary."Our strategy in building a united and strong trade union movement in Myanmar, must facilitate cooperation among trade unions, discourage fragmentation and institutionalize the democratic decision making process to ensure its independence.”