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20 July 2021 In the fight against the military and the pandemic: Myanmar's textile workers continue to face extreme hardship

The military coup that took place at the beginning of February has severe consequences for the textile workers in Myanmar. Many workers have lost their jobs, trade unionists are persecuted and have to go into hiding. Since June, the number of coronavirus cases has also increased, making the situation of people fighting for democracy in their country more difficult. The military is using the pandemic as a weapon against the people and making access to medical care more difficult.

For almost half a year, the people of Myanmar have been fighting against the military, which in early February Coup against the democratic government Since then, they have been violently persecuting peaceful protesters. There have been numerous reports of torture and other forms of ill-treatment by the military. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) over 900 people have been murdered by the Tatmadaw, Myanmar's military forces, in recent months. The UN estimates that 230,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in Myanmar. However, the protests of students, young people, teachers and workers, who Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) When they have joined together, they continue unabated. UN, ILO, EU, US and many other countries condemn the actions of the military; Those in power, however, are unimpressed: Day and night they hunt workers, on the streets and during house searches.

The fight for democracy comes at a high price.

The commitment of many workers to the movement means longer income losses, often the loss of jobs and possibly freedom. More than 100,000 workers have lost their jobs. They and their families lack food, medicine and essential goods. This is also the case for the textile workers, who courageously oppose the illegal military government. Some factories have to close due to lack of orders, some workers have to hide from the military and no longer go to work. Even though some factories have resumed production, women do not dare to work due to arbitrary attacks by the military within the industrial zones. Many workers get into unemployment unintentionally without ever being able to expect compensation payments.

It hits unionised women with particular hardship. The military forces factories to use the names and addresses of trade unionists to persecute, harass, or arrest them. Quite a few go underground for this reason and have so enormous costs for travel, food and secret accommodations. A large part of them are women with children.

Military Arrests Health Workers and Confiscates Oxygen Cylinders

The political crisis is further heightened by the rapid rise in the number of coronavirus cases since the beginning of June. The military has targeted healthcare workers, issued 360 arrest warrants against nurses, and charged 215 doctors. Some nurses are arrested while treating injured patients. Doctors who treat patients free of charge have been fined. The military also loots medical equipment and confiscates ambulances. Access to oxygen, which is vital for the survival of COVID-19 sufferers, is made more difficult by the military by raiding private filling stations and seizing oxygen cylinders.

The Industrial Workers’ Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) calls on companies to stop placing orders in Myanmar

In a video message, a seamstress and trade unionist from Yangon describes the situation of the seamstresses. Many of them have been fired for participating in protests, but they want to keep fighting until the revolution wins. IMFM trade union president Khaing Zar Aung reports that some international fashion companies have been in contact with the trade unions – such as H&M. Trade unions have spoken out against resuming the procurement of fashion companies, as the labour rights of seamstresses are being severely violated. Agreements and agreements between employers and employees are no longer valid. Nevertheless, H&M and other brands are again placing orders in the country after a short break. Khaing Zar Aung says "Brands that continue to order in Myanmar do so to benefit, not for the seamstresses! By placing orders, the textile companies support the suppliers, which in turn strengthen the economic sectors of the military dictatorship. In my opinion, the brands are spreading a false message internationally as long as they order in Myanmar’.

FEMNET supports dozens of workers and trade unionists with donations

To support women textile workers participating in the CDM, FEMNET works closely with the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM). From May to June, 130 workers from five textile factories who had gone into hiding or were in serious financial difficulties could be supported by donations. Each of them received about 40€ in support. The money helps the women to survive underground.

FEMNET supports the union members and workers who risk their lives in opposition to inhumane tyranny. Every donation to the support fund helps.

 

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