Myanmar Labour Alliance denounces “fake” unions in May Day call to action

Mizzima

On the eve of International Workers’ Day, the Myanmar Labor Alliance (MLA) issued a high-alert statement on 30 April, calling for the urgent dismantling of military-linked labour organizations that it claims are sabotaging genuine worker representation.

In its 136th May Day address, the MLA warned that these “fake” entities are being manufactured to divide the labour movement and weaken the bargaining power of the working class.

According to the statement, workers in Myanmar have faced worsening conditions since the coup, including declining incomes, rising living costs, and fewer job opportunities. Many are dealing with low wages and long working hours, while also enduring unsafe workplaces and a lack of social protection.

The MLA said workers’ rights have been severely restricted, particularly the right to organize and defend their interests. Freedom of association is increasingly under threat, with reports of intimidation, arrests, surveillance, and crackdowns on trade union activities.

As a result, workers are more vulnerable to exploitation and are often unable to raise concerns, report rights violations, or engage in collective bargaining.

“Workers and activists who stand up for labour rights face threats, violence, imprisonment, and even death,” the statement said. “Independent trade unions are being cracked down, while fake organizations are created to divide and weaken the labour movement.”

The alliance also urged workers, farmers, and low-income communities to unite in the spirit of May Day to resist these conditions.

In addition, the MLA called on governments, employers, and international organizations to reject illegitimate systems and actors, support measures under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution, review harmful ties, and cut financial flows that contribute to abuse and rights violations.