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  • At the 113th International Labour Conference, Mr. Kristjan Bragason, General Secretary of the IUF, delivered a speech on behalf of the NUG

    At the 113th International Labour Conference, Mr. Kristjan Bragason, General Secretary of the IUF, delivered a speech on behalf of the NUG

    June 11, 2025

    At the 113th International Labour Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland, Mr. Kristjan Bragason, General Secretary of the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF), delivered a speech on behalf of the National Unity Government (NUG) on June 10, 2025.

    In his speech, Mr. Kristjan Bragason stated, “The National Unity Government was formed in accordance with the Federal Democracy Charter by elected parliamentarians, democracy advocates, and ethnic representatives opposing the 2021 military coup, aiming to build a Federal Democratic Union based on the people’s aspirations. Since 2021, the military junta in Myanmar has committed acts of violence, resulting in over 6,600 deaths, more than 29,000 arbitrary arrests, 172 death sentences, and over 3.6 million people displaced. Labour union leaders have been arrested, tortured, and forced to flee abroad, while workers’ fundamental rights have been violated, and forced labour has become widespread. Martial law and decrees have not only eliminated democracy and freedoms but also created an atmosphere of fear. Parents are deeply concerned about their children being forcibly conscripted into the military. Those who refuse military service face imprisonment, torture, or death, leaving young people with no choice but to flee.”

    He further noted that the ILO’s decision to invoke Article 33 is a strong signal of global support for fundamental human and labour rights, as well as the principles of democracy. He emphasized the importance of international systems to hold those who undermine democracy accountable, stating that the people on the ground have welcomed this move. It also creates opportunities for international monitoring and intervention when needed. He urged that the NUG’s tripartite delegation be recognized as Myanmar’s official representative at the next conference, stressing that now is the time to stand with the Myanmar people to protect justice, freedom, and dignity for all workers. He affirmed that the Myanmar people continue their revolutionary struggle and, with international recognition, will achieve victory.

    Additionally, Mr. Kristjan Bragason, on behalf of the IUF, addressed issues related to the agricultural sector and biochemical hazards, the plight of Belarusian labour union members forced to flee abroad, and the immediate release of Brother Aliaksandr Yarashuke, Chairman of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions, an ILO Governing Body member, and former IUF member, along with 30 other union leaders detained in Belarus. He called for effective action under Article 33 against Belarusian authorities. He also welcomed Palestine’s designation as a Non-Member Observer State at the ILO but stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

    Ministry of Labour
    National Unity Government

  • Statement of Profound Appreciation and Commendation for Collaborative Efforts Toward the Adoption of Effective Measures Against the Military Junta Under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution at the 113th International Labour Conference

    Statement of Profound Appreciation and Commendation for Collaborative Efforts Toward the Adoption of Effective Measures Against the Military Junta Under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution at the 113th International Labour Conference
    (7 June 2025)
    The National Unity Government, in its unwavering commitment to uproot the military dictatorship in Myanmar and establish a Federal Democratic Union, is waging a multifaceted revolutionary struggle across political, military, diplomatic, financial, administrative, and public engagement fronts. As part of this national effort, the Ministry of Labour is actively engaging in the political and financial spheres, working in close cooperation with allied global unions, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), to restore Myanmar to the path of democracy through coordinated international action.
    In accordance with the Constitution of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Ministry of Labour has taken the lead in forming a tripartite body comprising representatives of the government, employers, and workers. This tripartite body has been consistently working to ensure that effective punitive measures are taken against the military junta through the ILO mechanism and to secure formal recognition of the National Unity Government as the legitimate government of Myanmar by the ILO. As a result of the continued efforts of this tripartite body, a landmark decision was adopted on 5 June 2025 during the plenary sitting of the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC), held from 2 to 13 June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. This decision imposes strong and effective measures against the military junta under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution.
    Since the military’s unlawful seizure of power in Myanmar on 1 February 2021, there has been a clear and ongoing pattern of violations of fundamental labour rights and human rights. In particular, the military junta has blatantly breached core ILO Conventions, notably Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, and Convention No. 29 on Forced Labour. Given the gravity and clarity of these violations, the resolution was adopted at the Conference by overwhelming consensus among ILO Member States.
    In pursuit of the resolution to invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution to take concrete action against the military junta, the tripartite body led by the Ministry of Labour under the National Unity Government successfully lobbied for the rejection of accreditation for the junta’s representatives and prevented their participation in the 109th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC). Moreover, the Conference’s official conclusions included a strong call for the restoration of Myanmar’s democratic transition and respect for fundamental rights. Due to the tripartite body’s consistent and evidence-based advocacy, the ILO was compelled to establish a Commission of Inquiry (COI) in March 2022—the highest-level investigative mechanism of the ILO—in response to the junta’s egregious violations of fundamental labour rights and its campaign of terror. During the COI’s proceedings, the tripartite body played a critical role in cooperating fully with the Commission by submitting comprehensive evidence of widespread rights violations against workers, including the civil servants involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). As a result, in August 2023, the COI released a landmark report containing urgent and binding recommendations for the junta to immediately cease violations and comply with its international obligations. The military junta, however, not only failed to comply but escalated its abuses, including unlawful conscription, daily aerial bombardments against civilians, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings. The tripartite body has consistently submitted detailed reports and verified evidence of these atrocities to the ILO, which have played a decisive role in informing and supporting the adoption of the Article 33 action against the junta.
    The resolution adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) under Article 33 includes direct and targeted measures against the military junta. It primarily calls on ILO Member States to review their engagement and cooperation with the junta, and to refrain from providing aviation fuel, military equipment, and financial transactions that could contribute to the junta’s repression and violations of fundamental rights against the people. This resolution constitutes a powerful blow to the military junta within the political and financial fronts of the revolutionary struggle, which our Ministry has been actively leading. It significantly contributes to the broader effort to dismantle the military dictatorship at its roots. Therefore, the adoption of the Article 33 measures by the ILO stands as a major victory for the people of Myanmar.
    The Ministry of Labour of the National Unity Government extends its deepest gratitude to all partners who played an instrumental role in the adoption of the resolution under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution. In particular, we wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the tripartite partners working alongside our Ministry under the National Unity Government—namely, the Myanmar Labour Alliance (MLA), the Myanmar Employers’ Organization (MEO), and the Myanmar Employers’ Federation (MEF) — the Overseas Irrawaddy Association (OIA) and Mondiaal FNV, who actively collaborated in collecting, compiling, and submitting evidence of the military junta’s egregious violations of fundamental rights, are gratefully acknowledged for their critical contributions as well as the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF), the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), and other global trade union federations and employers’ organizations, who provided crucial support—including enabling the participation of the tripartite representatives of the National Unity Government at the Conference—are sincerely and profoundly appreciated. Most importantly, we express our heartfelt appreciation to the ILO and its Member States who stood firmly with the people of Myanmar in this struggle for justice, by supporting the resolution without the need for a vote—recognizing the junta’s blatant crimes and siding unequivocally with the cause of freedom, rights, and democracy in Myanmar. We are proud of this solidarity and deeply honoured by the strength of these partnerships.
    We respectfully encourage all partners to continue their constructive engagement in supporting the effective implementation of practical measures in line with the adopted resolution against the military junta, and advancing efforts toward the formal recognition of the National Unity Government’s tripartite representation within the framework of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
    Ministry of Labour
    National Unity Government

  • At the plenary session of the 113th International Labour Conference on June 5, Dr. Hidayat Greenfield, Regional Secretary of IUF (Asia-Pacific) sent the message regarding the effective action taken against the terrorist military junta under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution

    At the plenary session of the 113th International Labour Conference on June 5, regarding the effective action taken against the terrorist military junta under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution, Dr. Hidayat Greenfield, Regional Secretary of the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) Asia-Pacific, sent the following message:

    “Today, we have achieved a commendable great success, and we are extremely proud of the National Unity Government, particularly the Ministry of Labour of the National Unity Government. This has clearly demonstrated the support of the international community, especially the global trade union movement, in opposing the terrorist military in Myanmar.

    Ultimately, with effective and comprehensive action, we will be able to end the military dictatorship, marking a crucial step toward restoring democracy and people’s rights in Myanmar.

    We deeply respect and are proud of the efforts and dedicated work of the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Labour (NUG MOL). On behalf of Myanmar’s workers and IUF union members, we express our utmost gratitude and pride for your efforts in reaching this effective stage, and we will continue to provide support and assistance. We firmly believe that soon, in a federal democratic Myanmar, in Yangon, we will meet and celebrate victory together.

    The IUF stands in full solidarity with your efforts, will continue to support and assist, and, starting today, demands the unconditional and full recognition of the National Unity Government as the legitimate government of Myanmar.”

  • Public Voice Television Channel interviewed U Kyaw Ni, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Labour, regarding ILO’s Article 33 Resolution

    The decision to take action against the terrorist military junta under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution has been made, and in relation to this matter, Public Voice Television Channel interviewed U Kyaw Ni, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Labour, National Unity Government.

    Source: PVTV Myanmar YouTube Channel

  • At the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC), a decision was made to take action against the terrorist military junta under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution

    June 5, 2025

    Today, June 5, 2025, at the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) held in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Labour Organization (ILO) decided to take action under Article 33 against the terrorist military junta due to their violations of fundamental labor rights and human rights, particularly breaches of ILO Convention No. 87 (Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize) and Convention No. 29 (Forced Labour).

    This decision to impose sanctions on the military junta was driven by the advocacy of the tripartite delegation of the National Unity Government (NUG). U Maung Maung, representing the Myanmar Labour Alliance (MLA/CTUM), delivered an opening speech at the conference, urging action. Additionally, Daw Phyo Sandar Soe, Deputy Representative of the International Trade Union Confederation, a member of the NUG’s tripartite delegation, and a labor representative from MLA/CTUM, emphasized that imposing sanctions under Article 33 is not about revenge but about upholding the dignity, justice, progress, and rebuilding of the lives of the Myanmar people.

    The conference was attended by representatives of the NUG’s Ministry of Labour, including government, employer, and worker delegates representing the Myanmar people. This historic decision demonstrates that the global community and the ILO have not ignored the Myanmar people, marking a significant milestone in the Myanmar democracy movement and efforts to restore fundamental rights.

    This ILO decision is a victory for the Myanmar people, achieved through years of resilience against the military’s bullets, various forms of oppression, sexual violence against women, and airstrikes targeting civilians and schools. It also exposes the military junta’s terrorist acts to the world.

    Government, employer, and worker representatives from ILO member states, along with workers, labor unions, and leaders worldwide, have shown solidarity with the Myanmar people.

    When the proposal to take action against the military junta under Article 33 was presented, countries such as Russia, Belarus, Laos, and China, which support the Myanmar military junta and seek to oppress globally, opposed the decision. However, employer and worker representatives, as well as international business delegates attending the conference, overwhelmingly supported it.

    This Article 33 victory proves that the military junta and its allies cannot act with impunity despite their weapons. Although the Myanmar people have repeatedly sought international assistance, responses and cooperation have been slow. However, this decision within the ILO’s tripartite mechanism, embraced fully by democratic systems, shows that international governments, employers, and workers stand united with the Myanmar people, unequivocally rejecting the military junta’s oppressive actions.

    The tripartite delegation led by the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Labour including oppressed employer and worker representatives whose rights are being violated collaborated in this struggle.

    Ministry of Labour
    National Unity Government

  • At a demonstration in support of collectively discussing and advocating for the Myanmar issue, representatives from the tripartite delegation led by the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Labour delivered speeches

    June 4, 2025

    The 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) was attended by a tripartite delegation led by the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Labour. The purpose of the tripartite delegation’s participation in the 113th ILC was to gain recognition for the delegation submitted by the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Labour and to advocate for economic sanctions against the military junta (SAC). During this conference, the tripartite delegation discussed and presented issues concerning human rights violations in Myanmar, labor rights violations, and acts of violence perpetrated by the military junta, such as airstrikes and bombings, urging the 113th ILC to implement effective measures to halt these atrocities.

    Due to the efforts of the tripartite delegation, representatives from various governments, employers, and labor unions attending the 113th ILC recognized that if the military junta continues to generate revenue, it will persist in committing acts of violence against the people. They also acknowledged the junta’s failure to comply with the findings of the ILO Commission of Inquiry regarding human rights and labor rights violations. As a result, a resolution was passed to impose effective sanctions on the military junta.

    Today, a demonstration in support of collectively discussing and advocating for the Myanmar issue was held outside the United Nations building at the Broken Chair, with participation from global labor union members and conference delegates from various countries. Through this demonstration, participants called for continued effective sanctions against the military junta and for actions under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution to be taken. On the day of the vote, the attendees demanded solidarity with the Myanmar people and urged action on these issues.

    International labor union members and conference delegates from various countries who joined the demonstration expressed their solidarity with the Myanmar people, demanding an immediate end to the military junta’s human rights and labor rights violations and advocating for actions under Article 33.

    At this demonstration, Dr. Sai Khaing Myo Tun, Deputy Minister of the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Education and a member of the tripartite delegation, along with representatives from Myanmar’s labor unions and business sectors, delivered speeches. They successfully highlighted the current situation in Myanmar.

    Ministry of Labour
    National Unity Government

  • At a demonstration in support of collectively discussing and advocating for the Myanmar issue, representatives from the tripartite delegation led by the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Labour delivered speeches

    June 4, 2025

    The 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) was attended by a tripartite delegation led by the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Labour. The purpose of the tripartite delegation’s participation in the 113th ILC was to gain recognition for the delegation submitted by the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Labour and to advocate for economic sanctions against the military junta (SAC). During this conference, the tripartite delegation discussed and presented issues concerning human rights violations in Myanmar, labor rights violations, and acts of violence perpetrated by the military junta, such as airstrikes and bombings, urging the 113th ILC to implement effective measures to halt these atrocities.

    Due to the efforts of the tripartite delegation, representatives from various governments, employers, and labor unions attending the 113th ILC recognized that if the military junta continues to generate revenue, it will persist in committing acts of violence against the people. They also acknowledged the junta’s failure to comply with the findings of the ILO Commission of Inquiry regarding human rights and labor rights violations. As a result, a resolution was passed to impose effective sanctions on the military junta.

    Today, a demonstration in support of collectively discussing and advocating for the Myanmar issue was held outside the United Nations building at the Broken Chair, with participation from global labor union members and conference delegates from various countries. Through this demonstration, participants called for continued effective sanctions against the military junta and for actions under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution to be taken. On the day of the vote, the attendees demanded solidarity with the Myanmar people and urged action on these issues.

    International labor union members and conference delegates from various countries who joined the demonstration expressed their solidarity with the Myanmar people, demanding an immediate end to the military junta’s human rights and labor rights violations and advocating for actions under Article 33.

    At this demonstration, Dr. Sai Khaing Myo Tun, Deputy Minister of the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Education and a member of the tripartite delegation, along with representatives from Myanmar’s labor unions and business sectors, delivered speeches. They successfully highlighted the current situation in Myanmar.

    Ministry of Labour
    National Unity Government

  • 2025 May Day Felicitation Letter

    The Republic of the Union of Myanmar

    National Unity Government

    President Office

    Message from the Acting President of the National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the Workers on the Felicitation of May Day

    1st May 2025

    1. On this year’s May Day, May 1, 2025, I extend my heartfelt wishes for mental strength, resilience, and physical well-being to all manual and intellectual workers both inside the country and abroad.
    2. May Day is a day to honor and value the legacy of the struggles fought for the rights, dignity, and justice of workers around the world. The strength, unity, and sacrifices of workers across generations have become historic milestones, giving rise to this meaningful and commemorative day. In Myanmar as well, we pay deep respect to the great Myanmar workforce, who have continuously and bravely participated – from the 1300 Revolution to today’s Spring Revolution – in the struggle to uproot military dictatorship and build a Federal Democratic Union.
    3. In Myanmar, since the military coup on February 1, 2021, the fundamental labour rights and human rights have been severely violated. Trade Union leaders have been arrested and imprisoned, arrest warrants have been issued, travel rights have been restricted, and citizenship has been revoked. Trade Unions have been pressured to re-register, forced to re-elect their leaders, and denied the right to freely associate, organize, and express their views. In addition, forced military conscription has been imposed. These actions constitute serious violations and non-compliance with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions – Convention No. 87 (1948) on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, and Convention No. 29 (1930) on Forced Labour. As a result, in March 2022, the ILO established an independent and fair Commission of Inquiry on Myanmar (COI).
    4. The Tripartite Body led by the Ministry of Labour of the National Unity Government – comprising representatives of the government, employers, and workers – has actively participated in the activities of the COI. This body has been working to ensure that effective and strong actions are taken under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution against the military junta currently committing violations, and to secure official recognition of the National Unity Government as the legitimate government of the people of Myanmar through ILO mechanisms. These efforts have begun to yield meaningful success. We deeply acknowledge and appreciate the active cooperation of the entire Myanmar Labour Alliance (MLA), Global Unions, and Myanmar workers both inside the country and abroad, whose contributions have been instrumental in achieving this progress.
    5. Due to the military’s violent attempt to seize power, Myanmar’s already fragile economy has further deteriorated. The imposition of forced military conscription has led to a mass exodus from workplaces, resulting in significant labour shortages. Additionally, employers have been pressured by the junta to unjustly pay wages to workers during their conscription periods, as dictated by unlawful orders – further straining business operations. On top of these challenges, the country has now reached a critical point following the devastating natural disaster – a powerful earthquake that struck on March 28, 2025. We am deeply saddened by the severe socio-economic impacts these compounded crises have had on workers and the families who rely on them.
    6. The physical and psychological hardships faced daily by workers and the wider ethnic population of Myanmar can only be truly resolved when the dictatorship is completely dismantled. Only then can the fundamental rights that have been lost – such as freedoms, equality, and justice – be fully restored, and the urgently needed efforts to rebuild the country be effectively realized. Therefore, we strongly urge all Myanmar people including workers both inside the country and abroad to continue their revolutions by every possible means, so that the Spring Revolution of Myanmar can achieve a swift and decisive victory.
    7. As reflected in this year’s May Day slogan – “Social Justice and Decent Work” – it is essential for all of us to unite in the effort to restore justice for the crimes committed by the military junta and to ensure that all workers can return to decent, dignified employment in fair and safe working environments.
    8. We, the National Unity Government, once again urge the United Nations (UN), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and others, as well as governments around the world that value fundamental human rights and labour rights, to provide practical support and strengthen cooperation in tangible ways.
    9. The National Unity Government solemnly honors the historic struggles of workers who have long stood at the forefront in the pursuit of social justice and democracy. In our unwavering commitment to building a just and humane society, we affirm our solidarity with all the people of our nation.

    The revolution must and will prevail.

    Duwa Lashi La

    Acting President

    National Unity Government

  • Government, Employers, and Workers’ Representatives Coordination Meeting (2/2025) Held by the National Unity Government

    February 23, 2025

    On February 23, 2025, at 13:00 hours, the Ministry of Labour of the National Unity Government organized and commenced the Coordination Meeting of Government, Employers, and Workers’ Representatives (2/2025) alongside the NUG + NUCC Joint Working Committee (JWC) (Anti Sham-Election). The meeting was attended by Ministry of Labour officials, including the Union Minister and Deputy Minister, as well as representatives from the Myanmar Employers’ Organisation (MEO), Myanmar Employers Federation (MEF), the Myanmar Labour Alliance (MLA), the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM), and delegates from the NUG + NUCC Joint Working Committee (JWC) (Anti Sham-Election), along with the Overseas Irrawaddy Association (OIA), totaling 30 representatives.

    The Union Minister of the Ministry of Labour, Nai Suwunna, delivered the opening speech, after which attendees discussed updates on ongoing activities, including the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s investigative report and recommendations on Myanmar. They also deliberated on compliance with decisions made at the International Labour Conference (ILC). The meeting emphasized the lack of adherence to international labour rights and human rights, calling for effective measures and international actions under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution against the military junta’s violations of fundamental workers’ rights and human rights. Furthermore, the participants discussed coordination and actions with international bodies such as the United Nations (UN), International Criminal Court (ICC), and International Court of Justice (ICJ).

    In the second part of the meeting, NUG + NUCC – JWC (Anti Sham-Election) and the Three-Point Alliance held discussions on potential collaborative activities. The meeting concluded at 17:30.

  • Government, Employers, and Workers’ Representatives Coordination Meeting (2/2025) Held by the National Unity Government

    February 23, 2025

    On February 23, 2025, at 13:00 hours, the Ministry of Labour of the National Unity Government organized and commenced the Coordination Meeting of Government, Employers, and Workers’ Representatives (2/2025) alongside the NUG + NUCC Joint Working Committee (JWC) (Anti Sham-Election). The meeting was attended by Ministry of Labour officials, including the Union Minister and Deputy Minister, as well as representatives from the Myanmar Employers’ Organisation (MEO), Myanmar Employers Federation (MEF), the Myanmar Labour Alliance (MLA), the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM), and delegates from the NUG + NUCC Joint Working Committee (JWC) (Anti Sham-Election), along with the Overseas Irrawaddy Association (OIA), totaling 30 representatives.

    The Union Minister of the Ministry of Labour, Nai Suwunna, delivered the opening speech, after which attendees discussed updates on ongoing activities, including the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s investigative report and recommendations on Myanmar. They also deliberated on compliance with decisions made at the International Labour Conference (ILC). The meeting emphasized the lack of adherence to international labour rights and human rights, calling for effective measures and international actions under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution against the military junta’s violations of fundamental workers’ rights and human rights. Furthermore, the participants discussed coordination and actions with international bodies such as the United Nations (UN), International Criminal Court (ICC), and International Court of Justice (ICJ).

    In the second part of the meeting, NUG + NUCC – JWC (Anti Sham-Election) and the Three-Point Alliance held discussions on potential collaborative activities. The meeting concluded at 17:30.