BWI backs Myanmar’s National Unity Government
The Building and Woodworkers International (BWI), representing 12 million workers worldwide, supported the creation of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) as a counter to the country’s brutal military junta.
The NUG is a broad coalition of Myanmar’s democratic forces comprised of anti-coup leaders, ethnic minorities and democratically-elected parliamentarians ousted by the military junta. It aims to end military rule and restore democracy in Myanmar, and present itself as the legitimate political authority in the country.
“As trade unionists, we fully support the creation of the NUG. It is a reaffirmation of the mandate bestowed by the Burmese people, especially workers, in the 2020 general election, and mirrors the people’s commitment to democracy and rejection of military rule,” BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson said.
BWI called on the international community to recognise the unity government.
“We call on the members of the international community, particularly global unions and governments of democratic nation-states, to recognise the NUG as the one true government of the Burmese people. By recognising the unity government, we render the military junta ilegitimate,” Yuson said.
Under the unity government, Mahn Win Khaing Than, an ethnic Karen and former House Speaker under the NLD government, is the country’s prime minister, while President U Win Myint and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who were ousted by the military and have been detained since February, retain their positions.
The country’s vice president is lawyer Duwa Lashi La, president of the Kachin National Consultative Assembly, reportedly the most authoritative political body in Kachin State.
A 15-member cabinet was also created headed by the vice president and prime minister.