Thread by @EdithMirante

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. irrawaddy.com/specials/on-th…

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: frontiermyanmar.net/en/the-ogre-st…

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: colonizinganimals.blog/2018/03/02/the…

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. focaalblog.com/2019/05/14/ste…

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. burmapartnership.org/2010/02/joint-…

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.
newmandala.org/interview-with…

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. frontiermyanmar.net/en/stranded-se…

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. solidaritycenter.org/myanmar-farmer…

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. theguardian.com/global-develop…

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. nytimes.com/2021/02/15/wor…

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 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.