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1. This History Thread is a brief history of labor organizing in Burma (Myanmar.) This relates to the crucial forefront role that organized labor is taking in resistance to the Feb. 2021 military coup. #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
2. For power-amassing kingdoms in lands that would eventually become Burma, controlling agricultural production & other types of work was a key function of the nation state. Conquered & other captive people were often used for skilled work or manual labor.
3. British colonized Burma late 19th C, commenced extractive industry & agricultural production for export. Land dispossession, taxation, economic crises caused sporadic rebellion by farmers, most notably brutally suppressed 1930 Saya San peasant uprising. https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/on-this-day/day-british-sentenced-peasant-rebel-leader-saya-san-death.html
4. British colonial rule prioritized economic exploitation of Burma, extracted resources. Burmah Oil Company workers led by Po Hla Gyi “The Ogre” went on strike for better pay, conditions 1938-9, became national General Strike. Read about it: https://frontiermyanmar.net/en/the-ogre-still-inspiring-oil-workers-80-years-after-landmark-oil-strike
5. Labor unrest continued in British-colonized Burma with workers (local and migrant) demanding fair wages & improved working conditions. One example is the 1941 Rangoon Sawmill Workers Strike, described in 4 parts by Colonizing Animals blog: https://colonizinganimals.blog/2018/03/02/the-1941-yangon-sawmill-workers-strike-part-1/
6. Post WW2 All Burma Trade Union Congress & Trade Union Congress (Burma) were Communist and/or Socialist led. ABTUC (U Ba Hein a leader) General Strikes in late 1940s. 1948 strike against British industries & commercial interests was violently suppressed. http://www.focaalblog.com/2019/05/14/stephen-campbell-touring-myanmars-leftist-history/
7. After Burma 1948 Independence trade unions active & participated in International Labor Organization. Labor protection laws passed. U Raschid, a labor leader pre-Independence (founder, Shop Assistants Welfare Society) formed trade union associations along w. U Thwin, U Ba Swe.
8. Dictator Gen. Ne Win seized power 1962 & instituted his “Burmese Way to Socialism” which was actually complete military control of economy. Workers & farmers were glorified but completely lost their rights to organize, strike, bargain. Independent trade unions were abolished.
9. Under the juntas continuing military rule of Myanmar/Burma from 1988, extremely abusive forced labor pervasive on infrastructure projects & “portering” in war zones. Investigated & condemned by International Labor Organization & human rights INGOs. Child labor also ubiquitous.
10. Labor organizing (incl. exile-founded) not tolerated by Myanmar military rulers. 1998 silver miners strike suppressed by Tatmadaw (Myanmar army.) In 2004 workers imprisoned for treason for contacting ILO. 2 Karen ethnic labor activists killed in 2010. https://www.burmapartnership.org/2010/02/joint-press-release-on-forced-labour/
11. Among reforms in 2011 Myanmar govt. passed bill allowing independent trade unions. Had enormous effect & workers were able to organize in a time of change for Myanmar economy with increased foreign investment. All Myanmar Oil Workers’ Union est. 2015. https://www.newmandala.org/interview-with-myanmar-labour-activist-su-su-nway/
12. Miners endure dangerous conditions esp. jade mines, Mining Workers Fed. of Myanmar small membership. Myanmar sea-workers often severely exploited on international merchant ships. Unions incl. Independent Federation of Myanmar Seafarers now permitted. https://frontiermyanmar.net/en/stranded-seafarers-suffer-as-job-market-tightens
13. Since 2015 under partly elected government Myanmar’s agricultural workers have continued to face land grabbing, pollution, climate crisis floods/droughts and other difficulties. Some farmers have formed unions. https://www.solidaritycenter.org/myanmar-farmers-form-unions-to-save-their-land/
14. Myanmar’s export driven garment manufacturing 90% female workforce. Garment workers organize large scale protest marches & strikes for living (minimum) wage, overtime & other fair practices. COVID-19 regulations have been used against them. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/oct/26/thrown-to-the-wolves-how-covid-19-laws-are-being-used-to-silence-garment-workers
15. Feb. 5, 2021 union garment workers were among leaders of 1st major public protest march against Feb. 1, 2021 coup by Myanmar military. Since then Myanmar’s massive #CivilDisobedienceMovement includes participation of nearly every category of labor. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/15/world/asia/myanmar-workers-coup.html
16/16. This History Thread is dedicated to the 1st workers to march on Feb. 5 & everyone participating in General Strike against Myanmar military coup. #CivilDisobedienceMovement
Links to my previous Burma History Threads & reports are at http://www.projectmaje.org
Links to my previous Burma History Threads & reports are at http://www.projectmaje.org
clarification on Myanmar Labor History Thread part of post 10: In 2004 it was actually 2 lawyers who were accused of treason (death sentence) for possessing an ILO report & contact info. They were eventually released.
