By Ma Ma - Nov 16, 2024
Although there is clear and significant evidence of labor rights violations in Myanmar, some brands continue their operations in the country, and IndustriALL plans to file additional complaints against them, according to General Secretary Atle Høie.
Currently, IndustriALL, in collaboration with the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM) and the Industrial Workers’ Federation of Myanmar (IWFM), has filed complaints with the OECD’s National Contact Points (NCPs) against fashion brands such as Next, New Yorker, and LPP for their continued operations in Myanmar and violations of OECD guidelines.
“There is significant evidence of systemic violations of workers’ rights and brands that remain in Myanmar cannot claim ignorance of the abuses. The largest global brands have already left the country – brands that stay prioritize profits over human and workers’ rights. We are considering filing further complaints regarding other brands that remain,” said Atle Høie.
n Myanmar's collapsing economy, the garment industry has become a critical source of foreign income for the military regime, according to IndustriALL.
Furthermore, IndustriALL is actively working to ensure the safe disinvestment and responsible withdrawal of international brands investing in Myanmar.
In 2022, IndustriALL held discussions with brands operating in Myanmar and established the Framework Principles of a Brand’s Responsible Business Disengagement from Myanmar.
A garment worker expressed frustration, saying, “We make clothes for international brands, but no one sees our struggles or the rights violations we endure. Factories pretend to offer full labour rights when buyers visit, but we continue to suffer. Even when these issues are exposed in the media, the buyers act like they don’t hear or see anything.”
Workers in Myanmar report being denied legal leaves, forced into excessive overtime, pressured to produce beyond their capacity, lack of access to basic necessities such as clean drinking water, hygienic restrooms and safe, well-ventilated working conditions and these ongoing violations highlight the urgent need for action to protect labor rights in the country.
