United in action: Unions continue to rally behind Myanmar's democratic fight

In a continuing demonstration of international solidarity, global trade union leaders, civil society representatives, and academics convened at the University of the Philippines School of Labour and Industrial Relations (UP-SOLAIR) in the Philippines on 3 August 2024 to affirm their unwavering support for Myanmar’s trade unions in their relentless fight for democracy and workers' rights. The forum, aptly titled "Unity in Action: Global Support for Myanmar’s Trade Unions," underscored the persistent resistance against Myanmar’s military regime and aimed to bolster coordinated efforts to restore democracy.

The event commenced with inspiring welcome remarks from representatives in the labour movement and academia. UP Professor Melisa R. Serrano inaugurated the session, followed by International Trade Union Confederation - Asia Pacific (ITUC-AP) Senior Director for Organising and Projects Patuan Samosir. Both underscored the paramount importance of working class solidarity and collective action in these tumultuous times.

State of resistance

A keynote address by Khaing Zar Aung, President of the Industrial Workers' Federation of Myanmar (IWFM), a key figure in the resistance, provided a sobering yet inspiring overview of the unwavering struggle, courage, and resilience of trade unionists and workers in Myanmar. Her speech highlighted the relentless opposition to the military junta and the determination to reclaim democratic governance.

Joint campaign for democracy

The forum featured two dynamic panel discussions, the first of which was themed "Joint Trade Union and Civil Society Organisations International Campaign to Restore Democracy.” Panelists included UNI Global Union – Philippines Liaison Council (UNI PLC) Executive Director Rolando Librojo, Isagani V. Abunda II of the Burma Solidarity Philippines, Asian Farmers Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) Secretary General Maria Estrella Penunia, and Safina Maulida of the Milk Tea Alliance. 

The speakers shared insights into ongoing international efforts and campaigns designed to support Myanmar's democratic movement, emphasising the power of coordinated regional and global actions amongst trade unions and civil society organisations.

Implementing ILO recommendations

A second panel, featuring Phyo Sandar Soe of the Building and Wood Workers’ Federation of Myanmar (BWFM) affiliated with Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO) Deputy General Secretary Joanna Bernice Coronacion, and IndustriALL Southeast Asia Regional Representative Ramon Certeza, outlined concrete steps and strategies for holding the military regime accountable. They discussed aligning efforts with the recommendations of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Commission of Inquiry to ensure effective and sustained action.

The event concluded with a call to action delivered by BWI Asia Pacific Regional Representative Apolinar Z. Tolentino, Jr., PSI Asia Pacific Sub-regional Secretary Ian Mariano and Samosir. They urged participants to persist in their advocacy and solidarity efforts, reinforcing the critical message that global trade union support is indispensable for the success of Myanmar’s struggle for democracy and workers' rights.

As the forum drew to a close, trade union activists, democracy defenders, and other attendees carried solidarity banners and reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to stand with Myanmar’s trade unions in their quest for justice, democracy, and human rights. The group’s resolve demonstrated at this gathering signified a powerful force in the ongoing fight for a free and democratic Myanmar.