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UNI Global Union General Secretary, Philip Jennings, says a planned visit to Myanmar later this month will be an important opportunity for UNI to lend support to Aung San Suu Kyi and other leading pro-democracy leaders, notably U Maung Maung, General Secretary of the Federation of Trade Unions of Burma (FTUB), as they look to build a socially responsible new Myanmar.

Jennings said, “I stood shoulder to shoulder with Maung Maung at the ILO earlier this week prior to Aung San Suu Kyi’s address. Both leaders have emphasised that foreign direct investment must be coupled with decent jobs and workers’ rights. UNI will go to Myanmar to help forge a true social dialogue and the construction of strong unions. Such unions are essential to bring about positive change for the millions of workers who have suffered under past regimes. In her speech Aung San Suu Kyi highlighted the problems of youth unemployment and child labour. Without strong, independent unions, building decent work, their plight will be left unresolved.”

In her landmark address to the ILO, Aung San Suu Kyi said, “Foreign direct investment that results in job-creation should be invited. Investors should adhere to codes of best practices. Track records in regards to internationally recognized labour standards and environmental responsibility should be examined.”

The ILO this week lifted its restrictions on the full participation of Myanmar in its activities and decided to review the progress on the elimination of forced labour in the country next year.

For more on Aung San Suu Kyi’s address to the ILO see:

http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/press-and-media-centre/news/WCMS_183340/lang--en/index.htm