Four years into the military coup, Myanmar’s military junta has continued to violate fundamental labour and human rights, but the global trade union movement is set to take action in solidarity with workers in Myanmar.
A key vote for international sanctions
At the upcoming International Labour Conference (ILC) in June 2025, the world has a chance to act through ILO Article 33, a powerful measure to hold the junta accountable for forced labour and trade union repression.
Trade unions from Myanmar, backed by global unions such as the ITUC and actively supported by Australian unions through the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), are urging all governments to advocate for a yes vote on Article 33.
The civil society in Myanmar has been protesting in their local communities for the past few weeks. They are calling on the delegates of the 186 ILO member states attending the conference to support this vote and take meaningful action against the military junta to save lives.
Workers, unions and democratic defenders under siege
According to the ITUC, since the coup in February 2021, the military junta has:
- Banned independent trade unions
- Arrested and tortured union leaders and members
- Used forced labour to support military operations
- Suppressed peaceful protests with lethal force
- Driven thousands of workers into exile or hiding
These acts constitute serious violations of international human rights and are incompatible with the values and principles of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Australian support for democracy
Sandar Soe, Assistant General Secretary of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM), visited Australia last year and met with union leadership and MPs, who received firsthand updates on the situation for workers and civil society.
At the time, she said, “We are fighting for democracy and justice in Myanmar, especially the younger generation. At least 400 trade union brothers and sisters are staying in prison.
We have been issued, including me, for high treason by the military junta, and all trade union active leaders and organisers have been forced to hide from military arrest.”
Her call for the international community is clear.
“Please help us to take legal action against this ruthless military regime at the ILO, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the International Criminal Court (ICC),” she highlighted.
See the full video of Sandar’s update in Australia
Together with global unions and the ACTU, the movement is united in pushing for the adoption of Article 33. Unions worldwide are actively lobbying their governments and employers to support this initiative and join the effort.
What can you do? Supporters can continue to share this information, make public statements, and demonstrate their support through social media and other forms of advocacy. On 3 June 2025, the Council of Global Unions is calling for a DAY OF ACTION for Myanmar. Download your poster here and share it on social media!
Together, we continue to raise our voices for peace and justice in Myanmar.