[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index ][Thread Index ]

Statement on the Lack of Labour Rig



Subject: Statement on the Lack of Labour Rights in Burma


Statement on the Lack of Labour Rights in Burma

Date: 3 June 1999

Burma?s economic infrastructure continues to be in a state of terrible 
decline, 
due to the mismanagement of resources by the State Peace and Development 
Council (SPDC). The country?s finances are diverted towards military 
expenditure and the top brass and its elite from the SPDC exploit the 
available 
productive resources for their own gain. Consequently, the people of Burma
are 
suffering greatly from sky-high inflation of consumer goods and the daily
life 
of workers has become very tough.
Burma is a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and signed 
the 
ILO?s Article No.87 in 1955. According to article no. 87, workers have the 
right to organize and establish independent labour organizations . However, 
since the military coup, all labour organizations have been prohibited in 
Burma.
Although the current level of wages for the workers is not sufficient to
cover 
their daily living costs, the SPDC have failed to address the structure of 
payment for the workers. At the same time, the SPDC is using the bait of 
?cheap 
labour? to attract foreign investors.
The SPDC fails to follow the existing laws and regulations for protection of 
workers. The SPDC ignores the fact that most of the factories? authorities
are 
violating the existing labour laws and regulations. Factory owners today in 
Burma have the right to dismiss workers without warning. Workers are denied 
rights such as protection at work, health care, accident cover etc. In the 
foreign joint ventures, the SPDC authorities are favouring the foreign
owners, 
causing the workers to lose their rights.
We strongly demand that the SPDC:
allow the workers to establish their own independent organizations and 
unions 
promote wages which would fulfill the basic needs for the worker families. 
abolish outdated labour laws and regulations and establish new laws and 
regulations 
reduce the level of inflation 
Central CommitteeDemocratic Party for a New Society (DPNS)