International Labour Organisation (ILO)

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Description: "Deep concern expressed at continual erosion of civic space and trade union rights in the country. GENEVA (ILO News) – On the third anniversary of the military takeover in Myanmar, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo has repeated his call for the immediate release of all those detained for exercising their civil liberties and carrying out legitimate trade union activities. "The future well-being of Myanmar depends on a peaceful transition to full democratic rule, which begins with the release of all those who are unjustly imprisoned. There can be no future for the people of Myanmar if it is not firmly anchored in the social justice they so richly deserve," he said. The Director-General highlighted the case of Thet Hnin Aung, General Secretary of Myanmar Industry Crafts & Services Trade Unions Federation (MICS-TUsF) who according to reports was sentenced to seven years imprisonment in late 2023 following the completion of an earlier sentence. “The sentencing of Thet Hnin Aung is a case for deep concern. The continual erosion of civic space and trade union rights in Myanmar, as highlighted in ILO’s recent Commission of Inquiry report, are unacceptable. Thet Hnin Aung and all those detained for carrying out legitimate trade union activities will not be forgotten,” Houngbo added. The case of Thet Hnin Aung was specifically addressed in the report of the ILO Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Myanmar. The CoI was established by the ILO Governing Body in March 2022 tasked with assessing reports of violence against trade union leaders, severe and repeated violations of basic civil liberties and a resurgence of forced labour. The incarceration of Thet Hnin Aung, along with ongoing actions that both undermine the civil liberties of trade union leaders and members, and undercut the labour movement, will inform the follow up to the CoI report at the March 2024 session of the ILO Governing Body..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organization (Geneva)
2024-02-01
Date of entry/update: 2024-02-01
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "The Commission of Inquiry urges the Myanmar military authorities to immediately cease all forms of violence, torture and other inhumane treatment against trade unionists, and to end all forms of forced or compulsory labour. GENEVA (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization’s Commission of Inquiry for Myanmar, has concluded that the actions taken by the military authorities since February 2021 have resulted in far-reaching restrictions on the exercise of basic civil liberties and trade union rights, as well as in the incapacity of trade unionists to engage in trade union activities. Such actions violate Myanmar's obligations under the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No.87) . The Commission also found that Myanmar did not comply with its obligations under the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No.29) , since the military continues to exact different types of forced labour in the context of armed conflict. It also said there is a lack of adequate enforcement of the prohibition of forced or compulsory labour. Its report urged the Myanmar military authorities to take “immediate action, so as to stop egregious violations of the two Conventions and prevent further abuses.” The Commission was established by the ILO Governing Body in March 2022, following the takeover by the Myanmar military authorities in February 2021 and the military’s suppression of pro-democracy protests. It was tasked with assessing reports of violence against trade union leaders, severe and repeated violations of basic civil liberties and a resurgence of forced labour. The three independent experts who conducted the inquiry gathered written submissions from various entities and had direct contacts with persons affected by the complex political, human rights, humanitarian and economic crisis, as well as those having expert knowledge of the issues raised. While the Commission had no access to the country, it was able to obtain extensive information on the situation through these witnesses. In accordance with Article 28 of the ILO Constitution, the report of the Commission of Inquiry sets out its findings, conclusions and recommendations with respect to the above matters. The recommendations urge the military authorities to immediately cease all forms of violence, torture and other inhumane treatment against trade union leaders and members; to release and withdraw all criminal charges against trade unionists detained in relation to the exercise of their civil liberties and legitimate trade union activities; and to fully restore the protection of basic civil liberties suspended since the coup d’état. The recommendations also urge the military authorities to end the exaction of all forms of forced or compulsory labour by the army and its associated forces, as well as forced recruitment into the army. The report sets out further recommendations to be implemented once the country returns to a situation of governance through democratic institutions and processes. It calls on all relevant parties to strive to achieve a peaceful transition to fully democratic rule. The report of the Commission of Inquiry has been sent to the Permanent Mission of Myanmar in Geneva. Myanmar has three months to announce whether or not it accepts the recommendations; and if not, whether it proposes to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice. This is the 14th Commission of Inquiry established in more than 100 years of ILO history to investigate allegations of serious non-observance of ratified international labour standards. Such Commissions represent the highest level of ILO supervisory mechanisms..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organization
2023-10-04
Date of entry/update: 2023-10-05
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: Voluntarily and involuntarily job terminations seen to increase since March 2020 with few dismissed workers receiving statutory severance pay.
Description: "YANGON, Myanmar (ILO News) – A new survey by the International Labour Organization (ILO) provides insight into employment termination and income security in Myanmar. The survey targets former wage employees whose employment was terminated – either voluntarily or involuntarily – or temporarily suspended between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2022. The findings reveal that during this period 70 per cent of employment terminations were voluntary resignations and 28 per cent were dismissals. Following the military takeover on 1 February 2021, employment terminations increased 23.5 per cent, dismissals rose 41 per cent while resignations were up 22 per cent. Notably, public sector terminations increased by 392 per cent following the military takeover, with most occurring in the education sector. The survey also highlights how basic employment rights were often not granted when employment was terminated with only 29.5 per cent of dismissed workers receiving statutory severance pay. Women and youth (ages 15–24) were found to be more likely to receive lower severance pay than men and more senior workers. Of those who returned to work, 70 per cent found waged jobs and 30 per cent became self-employed. On average it took workers over five months to return to wage employment. Most former government employees who returned to work became self-employed. Donglin Li, Liaison Officer, ILO Myanmar said, “Workers in Myanmar are facing a uniquely difficult set of circumstances. This survey reveals the urgent need for labour rights to be respected and the provision of social protection improved.”..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organzation
2023-08-11
Date of entry/update: 2023-08-11
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Description: "Myanmar labour market remains fragile in challenging conditions Labour market metrics including employment levels, job quality and productivity continue to decline with women workers particularly hard hit. BANGKOK (ILO News) - The Myanmar labour market continues to suffer from the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, the 2021 military takeover and subsequent socio-economic turmoil, according to a new labour market update issued by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO Brief finds that all metrics point to challenging labour market conditions in the country. A recent recovery in employment numbers in some sectors has failed to keep pace with population growth. As a result, a significant drop is seen in the employment-to-population ratio, which, at 54.5 per cent in 2022, was 8.2 percentage points below the 2017 level. The quality of jobs has declined with more workers pushed into the informal sector. Labour productivity has also fallen with estimates showing an 8 per cent drop in 2021 and a further 2 per cent loss in the first half of 2022. The disproportionate impact on women is also revealed, with the employment-to-population ratio of women in Myanmar declining by twice as much as that of men. Donglin Li, Liaison Officer, ILO Myanmar, said, “Employment conditions in Myanmar remain fragile and challenging with many workers facing a very uncertain future. The restoration of democracy remains critical to the future prospects of Myanmar and its people and is a necessary pre-condition of social justice and decent work.”..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organization (Geneva)
2023-07-27
Date of entry/update: 2023-07-27
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Children paying a high price for engaging in work in Myanmar Survey reveals poverty a main driver of child labour in Yangon Region, Ayeyarwady Region and Kayin State with dangerous work and long hours common. Yangon, Myanmar (ILO News) – A new report assessing the situation of working children in Myanmar shows the extent to which children are working to support their families and the high incidence of hazardous work they engage in. More than 70 per cent of working children interviewed in an assessment by ILO Myanmar’s Asia Regional Child Labour Project (ARC) in the Yangon Region, Ayeyarwady Region and Kayin State were working primarily due to financial challenges in their households. School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the political crisis had also driven children to work, further exacerbating child labour. Even after schools re-opened, many children did not return to school due to safety concerns resulting from the political instability in the country. A third of children interviewed in the three areas were in domestic work with others primarily in agriculture, manufacturing, and wholesale and retail trade – many of whom were working long hours for low pay. The assessment also found that children were often performing hazardous work and dangerous tasks. Almost 90 per cent of children interviewed who were working in construction sector carried heavy loads and over 80 per cent worked long hours under the sun without a break. Many interviewed children reported that they experienced accidents and injuries, with minor injuries being the most frequent, followed by bruises, bumps and swelling. “More than half of working children in this assessment said they wanted to have an education if given the chance, reflecting the extent to which work has interfered with their aspirations to go to school. This situation has only been made worse since COVID-19 and the nationwide conflicts caused by political crisis.,” said Donglin Li, Liaison Officer and Representative, ILO Myanmar. Communities and employers in the three regions appeared largely unaware of the laws relating to the minimum age for employing children. Some employers, notably in the agriculture sector, indicated that they preferred to employ children because they can be easily controlled, paid less, and do not frequently complain. Others employed children who accompanied their parents to work due to safety concerns at home. To effectively address child labour issues in Myanmar, the report provides recommendations for appropriate awareness raising, advocacy and overarching key policy interventions to be pursued, when the situation allows. ILO’s ARC Project is a regional project implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. The assessment released to mark the World Day Against Child Labour on 12 June 2023 was prepared with financial support from Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the Government of the United Kingdom..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organization (Geneva)
2023-06-30
Date of entry/update: 2023-07-02
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "BANGKOK, Thailand (ILO news) - Myanmar remains deeply affected by heavy job losses 18 months after the military takeover on 1 February 2021 and two and a half years into the global pandemic, according to new estimates released by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO estimates that 1.1 million fewer women and men are employed compared to 2020, which indicates a small recovery in jobs in the first half of 2022. However, employment remains well below 2020 levels while the quality of jobs is deteriorating. Women are also more affected than men overall. In the first half of 2022, labour productivity contracted a further 2 per cent, adding to an 8 per cent contraction in 2021, reversing the strong gains that had been made in years prior to the military takeover. Labour conditions are deteriorating for many workers with serious violations of labour rights as referred to in decisions of the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association, ILO Governing Body and in the International Labour Conference Resolution of 2021. The situation has taken a toll on enterprises and workers in key sectors. In the garment industry, evidence points to an increase in casual or daily labour, irregular working hours and workers receiving lower pay. ILO research also shows that more widely, entitlements such as severance pay when workers’ jobs are terminated are also often not granted. “Eighteen months on from the military takeover, the employment situation in Myanmar remains very difficult. While there are limited signs of job growth, the ongoing erosion of labour conditions and the decrease in job quality is deeply concerning,” said Mr. Donglin Li, ILO Myanmar Liaison Officer..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organization
2022-08-01
Date of entry/update: 2022-08-01
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "This World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, taking place shortly after the 5th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, ILO Myanmar calls to accelerate multi-stakeholder efforts to prevent and eliminate child labour, with priority given to the worst forms of child labour. Yangon (ILO News) - In line with the Durban Call to Action adopted last month, ILO Myanmar expresses its continued commitment to make decent work a reality for adults and youth above the minimum age for work. Almost one in ten of Myanmar’s 12 million children between the age of 5 and 17 are engaged in child labour, often exposed to hazards and risks. The compounded impact of the military takeover and persistent armed conflicts on top of the COVID-19 pandemic had led to an estimated 1.6 million jobs lost in Myanmar in 2021, heightening the risk of families resorting to child labour. According to a recent report by the ILO, it is estimated that the incidence of child labour in countries affected by armed conflict was 77 per cent higher than the global average, and the incidence of hazardous work was 50 per cent higher. This suggests that the current context in Myanmar will exacerbate child labour. “The unstable political landscape and deteriorating economic situation in Myanmar have forced more and more families into poverty. In times of crisis, concerted efforts among all stakeholders are needed more than ever before to increase social protections to prevent and protect children from child labour in all forms,” said Mr Donglin Li, ILO Myanmar Liaison Officer/Representative. ILO action in Myanmar Drawing on this year’s World Day Against Child Labour theme, “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour”, ILO Myanmar will engage with civil society, development partners and social partners in training and awareness-raising activities through its e-learning programme and interventions. Some of the actions include panel discussions, community based events, awareness-raising videos, a drawing contest and a photo exhibition “Burning Hands ” (Institut Français de Birmanie), which will take place throughout June to August. More details will be announced via the ILO Myanmar Facebook page..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organization via United Nations Myanmar
2022-06-14
Date of entry/update: 2022-06-14
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: Decisions on Venezuela and Bangladesh were also taken at the 344th meeting of the International Labour Organization’s Governing Body.
Description: " The Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has decided to establish a Commission of Inquiry in respect of the non-observance of International Labour Standards in Myanmar, following the military coup in February 2021. The Commission of Inquiry will investigate the non-observance of the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) and the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) . The resolution adopted by the Governing Body noted with profound concern “the escalation of large-scale lethal violence against civilians, including children, and the arrest and torture of Aung Ko Latt, a member of the Mahlwagone Railway Union,” and called on the military to end such action immediately. It also deplored the “continued harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrests and detentions of labour activists, trade unionists and others, including the Rohingya, in the exercise of their human rights.” Myanmar should ensure that workers’ and employers’ organizations are able to exercise their rights in a climate of freedom and security, free from violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, the resolution says. A Commission of Inquiry is the ILO’s highest-level investigative procedure and is generally set up when a Member State is accused of committing persistent and serious violations and has repeatedly refused to address them. To date, 14 Commissions of Inquiry have been established. Consisting of three independent members, who are yet to be appointed, the Commission of Inquiry will be responsible for carrying out a full investigation of the complaint, ascertaining all the facts of the case and making recommendations on measures to be taken to address the problems raised by the complaint..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organization
2022-03-25
Date of entry/update: 2022-03-25
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Sub-title: Military takeover hammers labour market already weakened by impact of COVID-19, women workers hit hardest.
Description: "YANGON (ILO News) - Some 1.6 million jobs were lost in Myanmar in 2021, according to new estimates released by the International Labour Organization (ILO), with the military takeover compounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. One year on from the military takeover in Myanmar on 1 February 2021, the labour market remains fragile. Working hours are estimated to have decreased 18 per cent in 2021 relative to 2020, equivalent to the working time of at least 3.1 million full-time workers. These working-hour losses were driven by employment losses as well as increased underemployment. Key sectors have suffered considerable impacts. Rural farmers were hard hit by armed conflict, violence and insecurity. Construction, garments, and tourism and hospitality were also among the hardest hit industries in 2021, with year-on-year employment losses reaching an estimated 31 per cent, 27 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively. The losses in both working hours and employment were disproportionately greater for women than men overall. Women also accounted for an overwhelming majority of job losses in garments as well as tourism and hospitality. “The military takeover and COVID-19 pandemic have put millions of workers in Myanmar in a grim situation. We are witnessing a reversal of years of progress in the labour market. Should this continue, it can only lead to increased poverty and insecurity across the country,” said Mr Donglin Li, ILO Myanmar Liaison Officer/Representative..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organization
2022-01-28
Date of entry/update: 2022-01-29
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Sub-title: This ILO brief is a rapid impact assessment of the impact of the military takeover of 1 February on employment in Myanmar.
Description: "On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military seized control of the government, following a general election in November 2020. Consequently, nationwide political demonstrations and worker strikes over the military takeover have been met with violence, intimidation and harassment by security personnel. The political crisis has extensively destabilized the economy and halted an expected economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Bank, on 26 March, downgraded its 2021 GDP growth forecasts for Myanmar from 5.9 per cent to a negative rate of –10 per cent, citing such factors as the demonstrations, worker strikes, and military actions, as well as mobility restrictions, and the ongoing disruption of key public services, banking, logistics, and internet services. 1 Likewise, the Asian Development Bank, on 28 April, projected the economy to contract by 9.8 per cent in 2021.2 In this rapidly evolving context, and due to the lack of official employment statistics published after the first quarter 2020, this brief aims to estimate labour market trends since the military takeover. The rapid impact assessment includes an estimate of working-hour and employment losses, and also presents estimates of the impact on the three hardest hit sectors: construction, garments, and tourism and hospitality. The estimation methodology, outlined in the Annex, extends on previous methodologies used by the ILO to estimate labour market trends.3 It makes use of robust empirical relationships established on the basis of detailed, cross-country sentiment and mobility indicators. The estimates should nevertheless be interpreted as indicative and may not fully reflect the severity of the employment situation..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organization
2021-07-19
Date of entry/update: 2021-07-20
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: With an economy already weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic, a rapid assessment by the ILO reveals a deep employment crisis following the military takeover in Myanmar.
Description: "Estimates released by the International Labour Organization (ILO) suggest a significant deterioration in labour market conditions in Myanmar since the military took power in February this year. Employment contracted by an estimated 6 per cent in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the fourth quarter of 2020, reflecting 1.2 million job losses. In the first half of 2021, an estimated 14 per cent of working hours were lost, which is equivalent to the working time of at least 2.2 million full-time workers. In terms of both working-hour and employment losses, women are estimated to have been impacted more than men. “Myanmar was already facing economic stress with jobs and livelihoods under threat as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However the estimates show a serious and rapid deterioration in employment in the first half of this year on a scale that could drive many in Myanmar into deep poverty,” said Mr Donglin Li, ILO Myanmar Liaison Officer/Representative. All sectors of the economy have been impacted, with construction, garments and tourism and hospitality among the hardest hit. In the first half of 2021, employment in these sectors decreased by an estimated 35 per cent, 31 per cent and 25 per cent respectively, with even higher losses in relative working hours..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organization
2021-07-19
Date of entry/update: 2021-07-20
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Sub-title: With two competing nominations to attend its annual conference, the ILO’s Credentials Committee must decide who represents Myanmar: the military council or the NUG
Description: "The question of who represents Myanmar—the military council or the National Unity Government (NUG)—is being debated by the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Credentials Committee in a challenge put forward by labour activists and elected leaders against the coup regime. At the time of reporting, the committee was deliberating on the matter ahead of the 109th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC)—set to resume online on June 3 following an initial opening last week—after both the junta-run Ministry of Labour and the NUG submitted delegations to represent Myanmar at the conference. When there are competing nominations, neither delegation is able to participate in the conference—referred to by the ILO as “the global parliament of labour”—until a decision is made by the Credentials Committee, a source close to the labour movement explained. “They will have to prove that they are the most representative delegation of the country,” the source said of the committee’s process. “[The delegations] also need to prove that they accept responsibility as a member state for carrying out the obligations under the ILO Constitution. And they need to show the procedures through which they arrived at their claim that they are the most representative.” The ILO, which did not respond to a request for comment, is the only UN specialised agency that requires delegations from its 187 member states to include representation from three entities: government, employers, and workers. The Credentials Committee follows the same structure. Kyaw Ni, the NUG’s Deputy Minister of Labour, told Myanmar Now that their delegation met the ILO’s criteria and included the participation of an independent employer, and the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM) as the workers’ delegate. The deputy minister emphasised that the NUG’s legitimacy did not only come from its formation by the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw—made up of elected and subsequently ousted lawmakers—but also in contrast to the widespread violence perpetrated by the junta’s armed forces since the February 1 coup. “The military council has been violating human rights and doing very inhumane things to their own people. There are also many violations of labour rights of both regular workers and civil servants,” Kyaw Ni said. “We have been building a case to show all of the ways in which they have violated these rights legally and according to ILO principles like the freedom of association and the right to job security.” He referenced the banning of labour organisations in the country and the regime’s recent mass dismissal of civil servants—including tens of thousands of striking teachers, bank employees, transportation workers, doctors and nurses—as examples of these violations. “The military council has been violating human rights and doing very inhumane things to their own people. There are also many violations of labour rights of both regular workers and civil servants." It is not believed that the junta’s delegation had the endorsement of a Myanmar-based trade union, local sources said. The workers’ movement has been an integral force within the nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement, which is aimed at toppling the coup, and has denounced any cooperation with the military council’s labour ministry. International trade unions have rallied in support of NUG’s application to represent Myanmar at the ILC, according to CTUM President Maung Maung, for whom the military authorities issued an arrest warrant on Friday. Along with nearly 30 other trade union leaders and central committee members wanted by the regime, he is charged with committing incitement and violating Section 505a of the Penal Code, which carries a three-year prison sentence. Others are facing sedition charges. Unions and workers’ coalitions based in a number of countries—including Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, the Philippines—have issued open letters to the ILO demanding that the NUG’s delegation be recognised as the legitimate representative of Myanmar at the ILC. “This rejection at the ILC is one of the ways to weaken military regime and effect change within Myanmar without hurting any of the citizens and can lead to the regime to be disavowed by the UN,” CTUM’s May 17 appeal to international workers’ rights groups read. Deputy labour minister Kyaw Ni said that NUG recognition at the ILC would demonstrate “that the international community accepts a government that comes from the people and that they do not accept the junta that staged the coup,” adding that he hoped an ILO decision in the NUG’s favour would lead to greater acceptance of his government by other international actors. In April, junta representative Lt-Gen Than Hlaing participated in the 64th Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the governing body of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, drawing extensive criticism and raising questions as to whether the coup regime would be accepted as Myanmar country representatives at further UN forums. The World Health Organisation on Wednesday moved to exclude both the NUG and the military’s delegations from its 74th World Health Assembly “pending guidance from the United Nations General Assembly” at its next session in September. It is possible that the ILO’s Credentials Committee will do the same: exclude both delegations from its conference and wait for a larger committee to make the ruling at the UNGA, multiple sources noted. At that time, it is expected that the NUG and the military council will again submit competing delegations. “Going into the UNGA, it seems we do have a big chance of ousting the regime from representing Burma,” Maung Maung said. “What happens if the Burma seat is left vacant? The people win. The UN can show it has teeth.” He added that this would likely lead to the withdrawal of foreign investment and a halt to projects by international financial institutions, further isolating the coup council and its sources of revenue. “What happens if the Burma seat is left vacant? The people win. The UN can show it has teeth.” “The ‘false façade’ of successive regimes—that international resolutions and sanctions don’t have any impact on them—crumbles, as they would not be representing the country at UN forums,” Maung Maung told Myanmar Now. “This will take away the confidence of middle-level military officers and their blind faith in the regime.”..."
Source/publisher: "Myanmar Now" (Myanmar)
2021-05-28
Date of entry/update: 2021-05-28
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: As COVID-19 shutdowns spike unemployment, the labour body's Guy Ryder discusses how governments can protect workers.
Description: "he coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live. Nearly every country in the world has been affected. There have already been millions of infections, and hundreds of thousands of deaths. And while scientists work on developing a vaccine, governments are focusing on reducing the number of infections through social distancing and other preventive measures. But these restrictions have brought with them countless financial losses across the globe. The coronavirus recession is considered to be the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression of 1929. As COVID-19 measures halt international trade, shut down airports and leave businesses bankrupt, tens of millions of people have lost their jobs. And for many, being unemployed in the middle of a pandemic means not only losing their income but also losing access to healthcare. So, how can governments protect their workers and rebuild their economies? The director-general of the International Labour Organization (ILO)..."
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Source/publisher: "Talk To Aljazeera"
2020-05-23
Date of entry/update: 2020-05-26
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "In Myanmar’ Shan State, ginger represents an important means of livelihood for hundreds of farmers. Working long hours under the blazing sun, farmers seldom protect themselves from the risks the fields expose them to. To address the various health risks associated with agricultural practices and maximize cropping, the ILO Vision Zero Fund project is working with farmers and their communities to equip them with better information on occupational safety and health (OSH) and the safe use of agrochemicals..."
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Source/publisher: International Labour Organization (ILO)
2018-07-02
Date of entry/update: 2019-08-08
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Description: "Document GB.300/8 has reported on the application of the Supplementary Understanding (SU) signed between the ILO and the Government of Myanmar on 26 February 2007 up to the end of September 2007. As this addendum reports on the period from 1 October 2007, it also covers the period following the civil unrest. In particular, it attempts to assess the impact of recent events on the application of the SU. At the time of writing, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Myanmar, Mr Ibrahim Gambari, was still in the country addressing the issues raised by the international community. The Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Mr Sergio Pinheiro, was due to arrive on 11 November 2007, following the Government of Myanmar’s agreeing to receive a visit from him prior to the ASEAN summit. As of 7 November 2007, 56 complaints had been recorded as received by the Liaison Officer. Four new cases have been received since the end of September. An updated copy of the register of cases will be made available to this session of the Governing Body. During the period 20 September to 10 October (the civil protest period) no complaints were received. It is probable that persons who have been involved in transmitting complaints have been discouraged, or detracted, by the public protest activity and the measures taken by the Government to counter the protests. The four new complaints that have been recently received are of a different nature than the previous general pattern. One is an allegation of forced labour directly resulting from the protest activities and concerns the authorities’ requirement for ready access to bus transport to meet their potential need for rapid deployment of personnel. One relates to an alleged breach of article 9 of the SU through the detention and harassment of persons involved in the making and facilitation of forced labour complaints. Two allegations concern the forced military recruitment of minors. These complaints have been assessed by the Liaison Officer, in the manner foreseen by the SU, and referred to the responsible Government Working Group for investigation and appropriate action. Their receipt has been acknowledged, and responses are duly awaited. The Liaison Officer has also recently..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organisation (ILO) - GB.300/8(Add.)
2007-11-11
Date of entry/update: 2019-06-12
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: "Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 o f the Convention. Elimination o f all forms o f forced labour 1. Engagement o f the ILO regarding the elimination o f forced labour. (a) Historical background. In March 1997, a Commission of Inquiry was established under article 26 of the ILO Constitution to address the forced labour situation in Myanmar. As reported to the ILO Governing Body, forced labour had taken various forms in the country over the years, including forced labour in conflict zones, as well as for public and private undertakings. In its recommendations, the Commission of Inquiry urged the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that: (i) the relevant legislative texts, in particular the Village Act and the Towns Act, be brought into line with the Convention; (ii) in practice, no more forced or compulsory labour be imposed by the authorities, in particular the military; and (iii) the penalties which may be imposed under section 374 of the Penal Code for the exaction of forced or compulsory labour be strictly enforced. Since then, the issue has been the focus of cooperation between the Government and the ILO for more than a decade. In 2002, an Understanding was agreed between the Government and the ILO, which permitted the appointment of an ILO Liaison Officer. Later in 2007, the Supplementary Understanding (SU) was signed to, in particular, set out a complaints mechanism with the objective “to formally offer the possibility to victims of forced labour to channel their complaints through the services of the Liaison Officer to the competent authorities with a view to seeking remedies available under the relevant legislation and in accordance with the Convention”. In addition, in 2012, the ILO concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Joint Strategy for the Elimination of Forced Labour by 2015, which provided a basis for seven inter-related action plans. The ILO also participated in the Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting on underage recruitment issues. (b) Recent developments. On 22 January 2018, the Government and the ILO signed another MoU, which agreed on a new Action Plan for the elimination of all forms of forced labour for the year of 2018. The Action Plan focuses on four priorities, including: (i) continued operation of the complaints mechanism; (ii) training and awareness raising on forced labour including for Government officials; (iii) capacity building to end forced labour at regional and state levels; and (iv) mobilization of tripartite partners for the prevention of forced labour in the private sector. In particular, the extension of the SU to 31 December 2018 will allow the complaints mechanism and further cooperation on forced labour to continue during the transition to the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP), which was endorsed by the National Tripartite Dialogue Forum on 16 January 2018. During its most recent discussion on this case in March 2018, the Governing Body concluded that the extension of the SU and agreement on an updated further phase of the Action Plan for the Elimination of Forced Labour, together with the tripartite endorsement of the first DWCP for Myanmar, are very welcome and represent significant progress in pursuing ILO constituent priorities (GB.332/INS/8, paragraph 17). In September 2018, the first DWCP for Myanmar was agreed by the Union Government, the employers’ and workers’ organizations and the ILO, which is considered by all parties as a major step forward for the country, signalling a process towards normalizing its engagement with the ILO and the International Community after decades of authoritarian rule and related problems of forced labour. 2. Application o f the Convention in law and in practice. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with satisfaction the adoption of the Ward or Village Tract Administration Act of 2012, which repealed the Village Act and the Towns Act of 1907 (section 37) and makes the use of forced labour by any person a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment and fines (section 27A). However, the Committee noted that no action had been taken to amend article 359 of the Constitution (Chapter VIII - Citizenship, fundamental rights and duties of citizens), which exempts from the prohibition of forced labour “duties assigned by the Union in accordance with the law in the interest of the public” and could be interpreted in such a way as to allow a generalized exaction of forced labour from the population. The Government stated that the 2008 Constitution would be amended as required. Regarding the practical application of the Convention, the Committee welcomed the various measures undertaken by the Government in collaboration with the ILO, aimed at the eradication of forced labour in practice. These measures included the undertaking of an extensive range of awareness-raising activities across the country, support for the continued use of the SU complaints mechanism to enable victims of forced labour to seek redress, as well as holding to account a substantial number of military personnel for their continued use of forced labour. While taking due note of the progress made towards the elimination of all forms of forced labour, the Committee observed that the use of forced labour continued in Myanmar. The Committee notes the Government’s information in its report that, from March 2007 to June 2018, the complaints mechanism received a total number of 754 cases, of which 739 are related to underage recruitment, 13 to forced labour and 2 to other issues. 377 military personnel, including 64 officers and 313 soldiers of other ranks, were punished by military disciplinary action for underage recruitment and forced labour. Moreover, within the framework of the Action Plan for Prevention of Underage Recruitment, 448 military personnel were punished by military disciplinary action. Only one person was punished under section 374 of the Penal Code. The Committee also notes the Government indication that implementing directives for the Ward or Village Tract Administration Law of 2012 were issued for ward and village tract administrators and general administrative departments at all levels. Moreover, 18,191 awareness-raising workshops on forced labour were held, with 1,280, 307 participants from related townships of all states and regions. Training was also provided to military personnel for the prevention of underage recruitment. The Government further indicates that a special budget was allocated to the ward and village tract administration offices to prevent the use of forced or unpaid labour. Furthermore, measures were undertaken to ensure the enforcement of labour laws, particularly in the private sector. The labour law reform is also ongoing with the technical assistance provided by the ILO. However, the Committee notes that the Government’ s report does not contain any information on the progress made regarding the amendment to article 359 of Chapter VIII of the Constitution..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organisation (ILO)
2019-06-06
Date of entry/update: 2019-06-12
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 123.31 KB
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Description: "The Committee notes the discussion that took place in the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards in June 2018 concerning the application of the Convention. The Committee observes that the Conference Committee regretted the absence of progress with respect to the long-awaited legal framework in which workers and employers may freely exercise their rights under the Convention and urged the Government to: (i) ensure that the Labour Organization Law (LOL) and the Settlement of Labour Disputes Law are brought into full compliance with the Convention by availing itself of ILO technical assistance during the legislative reform process; (ii) ensure that workers are able to carry out their trade union activities without threat of violence or other violations of their civil liberties by police or private security; (iii) ensure that the registration of workers’ and employers’ organizations is not subject to unreasonable requirements to guarantee that the right to join or establish organizations of their own choosing is not hindered in practice; (iv) ensure that applications for union registration are acted upon expeditiously and are not denied unless they fail to meet clear and objective criteria set forth in the law; and (v) bring the labour legislation in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) into conformity with the Convention, with full consultation of the social partners. The Conference Committee further requested the Government to accept a direct contacts mission and to report on progress made on its recommendations to the Committee of Experts for its meeting in November 2018. The Committee notes that the direct contacts mission took place from 1 to 4 October 2018 and welcomes the manner in which the Government and the Myanmar workers’ and employers’ organizations constructively engaged and collaborated with the mission. In particular, the Committee notes with interest from the mission report conclusions that all parties had shown an important degree of commitment to building a climate for full respect of freedom of association in the short time that had elapsed since the entry into force of the freedom of association framework legislation. The Committee encourages the continued development o f a conducive environment fo r the fu ll application o f the Convention. Labour law reform process. The Committee recalls that in its previous comments it had requested the Government to provide information on the progress made in labour law reform. Article 2 o f the Convention. As regards the LOL, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has initiated the labour law reform process within the framework of the National Tripartite Dialogue Forum (NTDF) which has met on numerous occasions with the technical assistance of the Office. While the draft amendment law is still being reviewed internally, the Government refers to a number of proposed changes, including the elimination of the additional 10 per cent requirement to form a basic labour organization, as previously requested by the Committee. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that, since the law’s entry into force, it has registered 2,761 basic labour organizations, 146 township labour organizations, 22 region or state labour organizations, eight labour federations and one labour confederation. The Government also refers to 26 basic employer organizations, one township employer organization and one employer federation formed under the law. The Committee notes that in order to gain a greater understanding of the obstacles encountered by workers wishing to form organizations, officials from the Ministry for Labour, Immigration and Population held nationwide consultations with a number of basic and township level organizations. The Committee recognizes, as the Government itself does, that a great deal of the country’s population is spread out in townships and districts far away from the centralized authority, where the awareness of the national law and ratified international Conventions is likely to be quite limited. The Committee encourages the Government to pursue these consultations throughout its territory so as to ensure that all workers and employers, without distinction whatsoever, are able, not only in law but also in practice, to fully exercise their rights under the Convention, bearing in mind key difficulties faced by parts o f the population, such as those in remote areas. The Committee further recalls its request for information on the outcome of any review of the impact of the pyramidal structure for organizing set out in section 4 of the law. Noting from the direct contacts mission report that this imposed structure poses a problem fo r the formation o f both workers’ and employers’ organizations, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that workers and employers may form and join organizations o f their own choosing in law and in practice, including at sectoral level, and to provide a copy o f the proposed amendments once they have been submitted to Parliament. The Committee also notes the allegations in the ITUC observation that unions are often denied registration for arbitrary reasons, including requests that executive committee members submit resumes, that all union members submit photocopies of national identity cards, and that a letter from the factory be produced showing that it has been informed of the attempt to register a union. The Committee notes with interest from the mission report that the Ministry has followed up at township level following nationwide consultations on the obstacles encountered and has published a Directive instructing labour officers to cease requesting such documents that are not required by law, while facilitating identity cards for founding members. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any denials o f registration, including reasons fo r such decisions and procedures fo r review and appeal o f such denials..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organisation (ILO)
2019-06-06
Date of entry/update: 2019-06-12
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 122.23 KB
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Description: "This paper sets out to understand how trade liberalization particularly impacts employment in the Global South by looking at the case of Myanmar. The paper is divided into five succinct parts that contribute to analysing to what extent trade liberalization through out Myanmar’s economic and political changes. Based on the findings of this paper, there are five key areas that shed light on the linkages between trade and employment in Myanmar. These five areas include, (i) trade, structural transformation and employment, (ii) informality of the economy (iii) trade and global value chains integration (iv) productivity (v) and wages, income inequality and working conditions. The first section looks at the structural transformation of the economy, which is best described by Myanmar’s shift from an agrarian economy to an industrialized economy. Consequently, the shares of industry and services sector to total GDP have increased overtime but the growth in the agriculture sector is not strong as others due to constraints such as high production cost, low productivity, low quality products and lack of value chain integration. Moreover, data indicated how the garment sector experienced positive employment when export value of garment sector increased by threefold. Secondly, the significance of the informal sector is demonstrated in how it employed about 81.9 per cent of total labour force in 2017 and at least over 40 percent of Myanmar's imports from neighbouring country come through informal channels. The World Bank's enterprises survey data (2016) confirmed that informal firms in Myanmar have lower sales per worker (labour productivity) compared to firms in formal sector. Therefore, based on previous findings, it can be assumed that workers in formal sector in Myanmar, especially from export-oriented firms have gained more because of trade openness. Furthermore, there is a need to invest in job-friendly global value chains which can be primarily done through attracting FDI to diverse job-intensive sectors helping SMEs engage in GVCs is key to creating quality jobs. This shows that foreign capital is not automatically generating better working conditions and the host government play critical role in making sure better working environment and protecting venerable workers not to be exploited. Based on the facts and discussions, this study recommends a strong coordination among stakeholders and institutes with clear objectives to response present changing dynamics in trade context as well as social security provisions to make sure benefits go to workers as well..."
Creator/author: MIN ZAR NI LIN
Source/publisher: International Labour Organisation (ILO)
2018-08-31
Date of entry/update: 2019-06-12
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 612.68 KB
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Description: "The publication of information concerning action taken in respect of international labour Conventions and Recommendations does not imply any expression of view by the International Labour Office on the legal status of the State having communicated such information (including the communication of a ratification or declaration), or on its authority over the areas or territories in respect of which such information is communicated; in certain cases this may present problems on which the ILO is not competent to express an opinion. Information on ILO publications and digital products can be found at: www.ilo.org/publns..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organisation (ILO)
2019-06-06
Date of entry/update: 2019-06-12
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 11.34 MB
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Description: "Country baselines under the ILO Declaration Annual Review are based on the following elements to the extent they are available: governments’ reports, observations by employers’ and workers’ organizations, case studies prepared under the auspices of the country and the ILO, and observations/recommendations by the ILO Declaration Expert-Advisers and by the ILO Governing Body. For any further information on the realization of this principle and right in a given country, in relation with a ratified Convention or possible cases that have been submitted to the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association, please see: http://webfusion.ilo.org/public/db/standards/normes/libsynd..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organisation (ILO)
2018-05-18
Date of entry/update: 2019-06-12
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 249.44 KB
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Description: "Tourism is a key driver of socio-economic progress in Myanmar and it’s expected to provide over two million new jobs by 2020. In order to assist Myanmar in further developing the tourism sector and its workforce, the ILO launched the “Scaling up STED: Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification” project with a focus on tour guides. The ILO’s STED project facilitated cooperation among all stakeholders involved in the tourism sector and helped to create competency based standards for tourist guides..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organisation (ILO)
2017-05-04
Date of entry/update: 2019-06-12
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English, Burmese (မြန်မာဘာသာ)
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Description: "Labour migration has long been an important livelihood strategy for the people of Myanmar. By migrating, families and their communities have been able to survive periods of severe economic hardship and stagnation. It is thought that as much as 10 per cent of the labour force is working abroad, with over 3 million Myanmar migrant workers employed in Thailand and Malaysia alone (ILO, 2015). According to the World Bank, an estimated US$2.754 billion was remitted by migrants in 2018, approximately 3.9 per cent of GDP, which does not include the millions that are informally remitted through brokers or hand carried back home to family members. An established policy framework to manage the immense labour migration flows is yet to be developed in Myanmar. As a result, migration remains largely laissez-faire and inequitable, divided between regular migrants who typically head to more developed economies within Asia and the Middle East via formal recruitment and irregular migrants who travel clandestinely to work in neighbouring middle income countries. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population (MOLIP) is mandated to manage labour migration from Myanmar and regulate the 273 licensed overseas employment agencies. Because of the expensive, complex and time consuming procedures required for formal recruitment through licensed agencies, most migrants continue to seek out the assistance of unlicensed brokers or go abroad independently. The social networks that facilitate these movements were established long before any management systems had been developed to regulate labour migration. The involvement of unscrupulous actors and the lack of accurate and impartial information frequently also places migrants at risk of becoming victims of abuse and exploitation. As Myanmar emerges from its long period of isolation from the international community, new jobs are becoming available both within the country and abroad. Old systems of job matching that included brokers, smugglers, returned migrants and local leaders may no longer be able to navigate the formal procedures of legal migration and are being superseded by licenced recruitment agencies. In 2016, the Government reported that approximately 1.9 million Myanmar workers had been deployed officially to 16 destination countries. In 2019, according to the Government, Myanmar is sending workers to 18 destination countries through the 273 licensed overseas employment agencies. In this newly emerging model of recruitment within Myanmar, potential migrants often do not know who to trust or how to make use of the more formal services offered, and their lack of know-how leaves them once again vulnerable to excessive fees and other forms of abuse..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organisation (ILO)
2019-03-01
Date of entry/update: 2019-06-12
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 316.03 KB
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Description: "Article 3 o f the Convention. Worst forms o f child labour. Clause (a). All forms o f slavery or practices similar to slavery. Compulsory recruitment o f children for use in armed conflict. The Committee previously noted that the 1959 Defence Services Act (amended in 1974) and War Office Council Directive 13/73 of 1974 prohibit persons under the age of 18 from joining the armed forces. It also noted from the Report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict of 5 June 2015 (A/69/926 S/2015/409) that a total of 357 cases of child recruitment and use by armed forces (Tatmadaw), including children as young as 14 years, were reported. Children were reported to be recruited by armed groups, including through abductions; into the formal ranks of the Tatmadaw; were deployed at the front line as combatants and in support roles; and were also used as porters and scouts. The Report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict further indicated the various positive steps taken by the Government, including the joint action plan signed with the United Nations in June 2012 to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children by armed forces, the endorsement of a work-plan for full implementation of this action plan, and the granting of monitoring access of the United Nations to the armed forces. The Committee requested the Government to strengthen its efforts to put a stop, in practice, to the recruitment of children under 18 years by the armed forces and armed groups. The Committee notes the Government’s information that following the signing of the joint action plan for prevention of underage recruitment in June 2012, the United Nations Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (UNCTFMR) met with the Government of Myanmar 48 times and visited 16 military commands, 85 battalions and infantry units for monitoring. It also notes the Government’s indication that military disciplinary actions were taken against 448 military personnel, including 96 officers, for recruiting under-age children into the Tatmadaw. Moreover, 877 military personnel who were enrolled before attaining 18 years were handed over to their respective parents and guardians. The Committee further notes the information provided by the Government on the various training courses, awareness raising activities, including through newspapers and TV and radio broadcasts, and legal education provided to military personnel concerning the implementation of the joint plan of action for prevention of underage recruitment as well as the prohibition of forced recruitments. It further notes from the Government’s report under the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, (No. 29) that from 2007 to 2018, 754 cases, including 738 underage recruitment cases were received under the complaints mechanism of the Supplementary Understanding, of which 325 cases were closed by the ILO. The Committee notes, however, that according to the Report of the Secretary General on Children and Armed Conflict of 16 May 2018 (A/72/865-S/2018/465), in 2017 the United Nations documented 428 cases of recruitment and use of children, the majority of cases being attributed to the Tatmadaw, including 166 cases of formal recruitment of children, some as young as 13 years, and the informal and temporary use of about 200 children, for maintenance and cleaning duties. Furthermore, the United Nations verified 39 cases of recruitment and use of children by armed groups (Kachin Independence Army and Ta’ang National Liberation Army), and the use of 53 boys by the Border Guard Police for camp maintenance, construction and carrying of equipment. The Committee finally notes from the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Myanmar of March 2018 that although cases of recruitment and use of child soldiers by the Tatmadaw had decreased from February 2013 to June 2017, a total of 856 complaints were verified by the UNCTFMR (A/HRC/37/70, paragraph 38). While noting some of the measures taken by the Government, the Committee must express its deep concern at the continued use and recruitment of children by armed forces and groups. The Committee therefore strongly urges the Government to take the necessary measures as a matter o f urgency to ensure the fu ll and immediate demobilization o f all children and to put a stop, in practice, to the forced recruitment o f children under 18 years o f age into armed forces and groups. It also urges the Government to continue to take immediate and effective measures to ensure that thorough investigations and prosecutions o f all persons, including military personnel and officials, who forcibly recruit children under 18 years o f age fo r use in armed conflict, are carried out and that sufficiently effective and dissuasive penalties are imposed in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken and the results achieved in this regard..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organisation (ILO)
2019-06-06
Date of entry/update: 2019-06-12
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 127.93 KB
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Description: "The garment sector in Myanmar is one of the vital industries that supports the economic development of Myanmar and provides many job opportunities for the country’s workers. The sector is now estimated to employ a range of between 350,000 and 450,000 workers, 90 per cent of whom are women. The latest list from Myanmar Garment Manufacturer Association indicates that 518 factories are currently operational in the country. The report provides a mapping of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) dynamics, stakeholders in the reviewed sectors, the insights into key OSH hazards workers face within factories and into the types of OSH management and investments undertaken by manufacturers in Myanmar, and a set of business cases for nine OSH investments by presenting possible returns that can be obtained from either a business or risk reduction viewpoint..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organisation (ILO)
2019-05-30
Date of entry/update: 2019-06-11
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 831.12 KB
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Description: "“The new OSH Law is a major step towards safer workplaces in Myanmar and preventing occupational injuries, diseases and deaths,” said Rory Mungoven, ILO Liaison Officer at the OSH Stakeholder Event. “Now we must all work together to achieve its effective implementation.” The OSH Stakeholders Event was organized by the Factories and General Labour Laws Inspection Department (FGLLID) of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population (MOLIP) with support of the International Labour Organization on the 6-7 May 2019. The OSH Event brought together over 150 representatives from Government Ministries as well as Workers’ and Employers’ Organizations, partners and OSH experts from the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and Japan to discuss the next steps on the implementation of the OSH Law (enacted on 15 March 2019). The ILO is committed to support FGLLID in the preparations for the operationalization of the OSH Law and to assist FGLLID in the design and implementation of a comprehensive programme on OSH. On the opening of the Conference, Myanmar’s Minister of Labour, Immigration and Population, H.E. U Thein Swe, urged the participants to discuss, brainstorm and develop ideas to implement the OSH Law, which aims to promote decent work in Myanmar and enhance the economic development. “Today we will discuss the outcomes of Myanmar’s National OSH Profile as a critical step toward achieving the goal of a more effective and responsive OSH system, grounded in the national context and aligned with international standards”, Mungoven said. The National OSH Profile supports the implementation of the recently-adopted Decent Work Country Programme for Myanmar, in particular Outcome 3.3 on OSH. Myanmar National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Profile was supported by the ILO as part of a portfolio of OSH development cooperation projects under the coordination of the ILO Liaison Office in Yangon, including the USDOL-funded SafeYouth@Work Project and the Vision Zero Fund Project. It was prepared in close cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population/Factories and General Labour Laws Inspection Department, the social partners and other important stakeholders and has been carefully vetted in an open and tripartite series of consultations. The National OSH Profile serves as a baseline for regular review and development of OSH policy, planning and actions to enhance workplace safety for all. It is hoped that the profile will assist all stakeholders in their efforts to promote and ensure safe and healthy working conditions in Myanmar, and serve as a foundation for building a national culture of workplace prevention. “The ILO is not alone in this field. The collaboration with other partners such as Denmark, the European Union and United States has contributed to the progress in this field that has brought us here today. Having robust systems for OSH is an important benchmark for foreign investors, for brands that are buying from Myanmar factories, and in many trade agreements” said the ILO Liaison Officer, also confirming ILO commitment to support FGLLID in the preparations for the operationalization of the OSH Law and to assist FGLLID in the design and implementation of the Programme on OSH. Regional experience in setting up National OSH Systems and local sectorial OSH activities in garments, agriculture and construction were shared during the OSH Stakeholders Event. International guests illustrated regional experience from Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore and Japan for Myanmar to identify the steps needed to achieve progress towards implementation of the OSH Law, define implementation priorities, and ensure relevant partnerships are fostered. Myanmar’s employers, workers and government stakeholders in garment, agriculture, and construction discussed current activities on OSH in their sectors and remaining challenges to comply with the new OSH Law..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organisation (ILO)
2019-05-24
Date of entry/update: 2019-06-11
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Description: "The World Day for Safety and Health at Work was commemorated around Myanmar in different states and regions. The ILO and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population (MOLIP) through the Factories and General Labour Laws Inspection Department (FGLLID), employers’ and workers’ organisations held a morning event in Yangon to highlight the paramount importance of OSH for Myanmar’s sustainable development. Inspired by the ILO Centenary celebrations and discussions on the Future of Work, the World Day this year took stock of a 100 years of work in improving OSH and looked to the future for continuing these efforts through major changes such as technology, demographics, employment relations and climate change. “This is a day to think about the safety and health of workers and to highlight achievements such as the recent passage of the new OSH Law in Myanmar”, said Rory Mungoven, ILO Liaison Officer. “OSH has been a priority for the ILO from its very origins and is written into the ILO Constitution. The Centenary is an opportunity to raise awareness of the many Conventions and standards developed by the ILO on OSH, such as Convention No. 187 Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention that have served as guidance for Myanmar’s new OSH Law. Mungoven said, ‘The Centenary is also a time to reflect on the future and how the changes we are seeing in the world of work require new approaches to ensure safety and health.” Earlier this year, the ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work issued a report recommending, amongst other things, that OSH be considered one of the fundamental rights and principles at work and become part of a “universal labour guarantee”. The third National Day on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) commemoration in Yangon provided an opportunity for showcasing good practices and exchanging knowledge and experiences to promote safe and healthy work for all in Myanmar. Panel discussions with entrepreneurs and workers touched upon the opportunities brought by technology and connectivity, and the challenges arising from disruptive employment relations and the changing nature of Myanmar’s labour market. ‘The Government of Myanmar is certainly committed in the right direction”, said Rory Mungoven. The Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan aims to “Introduce and enforce regulations and protections related to workplace safety, inclusivity and non-discrimination in all forms, and the practice of equal pay for work of equal value”. The ILO Decent Work Country Programme sets the priority of achieving an integrated and unified OSH system by 2021. The new OSH Law, adopted by Parliament in March, and the new OSH Profile to be launched on 6 May in Nay Pi Taw are two key pillars of this system. The ILO in Myanmar is currently implementing a portfolio of OSH-related projects, including the SafeYouth@Work Project promoting OSH among young workers, Vision Zero Fund targeting the agriculture and garment sectors, and activities under the ILO-Japan and ILO Korea programmes..."
Source/publisher: International Labour Organisation (ILO)
2019-05-24
Date of entry/update: 2019-06-11
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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