IndustriALL Global Union leadership calls on the military of Myanmar to restore democratic order and stop arresting, injuring and killing protesters

In a country where unions have only been allowed since 2012, IndustriALL supports the statement of Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM) that any action that aims to impede Myanmar's democratic transition must be rejected.

IndustriALL calls on the military leaders to acknowledge that the fruit of economic growth and improvement of living standard is a result of democratization and peaceful co-existence of multiple political parties since 2011.

In addition, we wish to praise and welcome the initiative of the global retail brands sourcing from Myanmar that recognize that democracy and respect for human and labour rights are imperative for business success and continuity. The reestablishment of democratic norms is imperative to keep jobs and new investments to improve the quality of life of Burmese people.

In line with the global union’s vow to confront global forces that work against the interests of working people, we reiterate the demands from leaders of the global union movement:

• Calling on the UN Security Council to impose sanctions against the military leaders responsible for the coup, Sanctions must also target economic capital which provide the military with its revenue
• Calling  on the UN Security Council to impose a global arms embargo on Myanmar
• Calling on international companies operating in Myanmar to end any direct or indirect business relationships or financial ties to military-owned businesses (details can be found in the UN Human Rights Council report on economic interest of the Myanmar military) and to use their leverage to secure the release of detainees, restore democratic institutions, and guarantee the human and labour rights of all Myanmar workers. This must include international companies providing support to workers where operations are curtailed, including protection to workers protesting the coup.

Furthermore, we call on our affiliated unions worldwide to support the measures outlined above, and:

• Exert pressure on their national governments to demand that the Myanmar military rescind the state of emergency, immediately release all political figures and activists, defend the Myanmar people’s right to choose their leaders, and remove limits on freedom of expression, assembly and association.
• Urge all companies they hold relationships with that operate or invest in Myanmar to end their commercial ties with the Myanmar military and use their leverage to secure the release of detainees, restore democratic institutions, and guarantee the human and labour rights of all Myanmar workers. This must include international companies providing support to workers where operations are curtailed, including protection to workers protesting the coup.

We also urge the military leaders in Myanmar to withdraw the draft cyber security law that would have devastating consequences for democracy and human rights, and disastrous effects on Myanmar’s society and economy.