Trade union activities should not be punished

Since the military coup in February 2021, trade unions have been banned. It is dangerous to be a member and the unions are now working underground. We saw many positive changes for workers, but since the coup this has become difficult. Especially for our partner Thet Hning Aung. He's been arrested and faces an unjustified prison sentence. Show solidarity with Myanmar.

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Name bank: SNS
Address bank: Croeselaan 1, 3521 BJ Utrecht, Netherlands
BIC code: SNSBNL2A
IBAN code: NL15 SNSB 0635117185
Account number: 635117185
Name account holder: Stichting Mondiaal FNV
Address account holder: Derkinderenstraat 2, 1062 DB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Situation Myanmar 

On February 1, 2021, Myanmar's military unlawfully seized power. This put an end to the steps towards democracy and development of recent years. The military regime is suspected of crimes against humanity and possibly genocide. The regime does not adhere to the rule of law. Unions are banned by the junta and are actively persecuted. It is dangerous to be a member. The role of trade unions has been restricted and this adversely affects working conditions and respect for labour rights. Union members and their families are threatened and arrested. Unions can only work underground.  

Collaboration 

We have been actively cooperating with the trade unions in Myanmar for years. Through successful social dialogue, fairer labour legislation has been achieved, for example. But now things are not looking good for the people of Myanmar. Our partner Thet Hning Aung, union leader of trade union MICS, has been arrested while participating in a protest action against the military regime. He faces an unjustified prison sentence. We are very concerned about the fairness of the trial of Thet Hnin Aung.  

Action 

In 2022, union leader Thet Hnin Aung will face court. Thet is being prosecuted because he is fighting for the improvement of labour laws and wage policies for several sectors including the garment industry. Myanmar is a country where more and more of our clothing comes from. He is also accused of participating in an illegal gathering, being a member of an illegal organisation and undermining the state. Because of his struggle, he now faces a 20 - year prison sentence. 

Help Thet Hnin Free Aung 

Much is at stake. A conviction can lead to a severe penalty, possibly in combination with forced labour. Mondiaal FNV and human rights lawyers demand a fair trial for Thet Hnin Aung. We need €25,000 for the legal costs and to draw attention to the situation in Myanmar. 

Donate now and free Thet Nhing Aung of the junta in Myanmar! 

Successful union work 

Mondiaal FNV has been supporting the trade union movement in Myanmar for years. Together with trade unions MICS and CTUM, we contributed to support a social dialogue with the government, employers and trade unions. This has resulted in national labour reforms such as raising the statutory minimum wage, labour legislation and reforms of the labour courts.

Thet Hning Aung 

The Burmese army falsely accuses Thet of being a member of an illegal association. His case is not an isolated one, since the army illegally seized power in February 2021, human rights activists and union leaders have been arrested and charged without reason. The military is trying to maintain their grip on the country and the economy. 

What can you do? 

Send a solidarity message 

Letters are always an effective way to show solidarity and mental support to trade unionists and activists. Send your letter to the MICS union today. They make sure that they end up with him in prison. This is only possible digitally (for security reasons). 

Write now: Sample letter Myanmar 2021  

Support through social media  

Do you want to do something for the people in Myanmar through your social media? Tell the story and use #FreeThetHninAung. We ensure that your message is also distributed through our channels.

The military junta continues to hinder the work of union leaders and activists. We call for international solidarity with the Burmese people. This population struggles to regain democracy and to ensure that human rights and the right to freedom of association and assembly are respected. Since the military coup, trade unions and civil society organisations have been forced to work underground. Activists such as Thet Hnin Aung unjustly face jail time. Support the trade unions and activists in Myanmar by donating. https://bit.ly/32fZg3W #FreeThetHninAung @MondiaalFNV

Donate now

Name bank: SNS
​Address bank: Croeselaan 1, 3521 BJ Utrecht, Netherlands
BIC code: SNSBNL2A
IBAN code: NL15 SNSB 0635117185
Account number: 635117185
Name account holder: Stichting Mondiaal FNV
Address account holder: Derkinderenstraat 2, 1062 DB Amsterdam, Netherlands