For the first time in generations workers in Burma are now free to form trade unions. But they are starting from scratch in a country still emerging from dictatorship and extreme poverty. They are asking for our help.

Since the ban on unions was lifted earlier this year, over 130 new trade unions have applied for registration. From factories to farms, and schools to mines, workers are forming unions across the country. And the Federation of Trade Unions – Burma (FTUB), long dubbed a terrorist organisation by the dictatorship and forced to operate in exile, has finally been allowed to return.

They are confronting a legacy of terrible working conditions in an economy dominated by a military-business cabal. One set of workers recently went on strike seeking to double their wage of 60 cents a day and reduce their daily production quota of 2000 shoes. In another factory, workers were demanding that the working day be reduced from 14 hours down to 12.

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and FTUB are setting up an office in the capital city of Rangoon to help workers across the country meet these massive challenges. They need our support.

Even a small contribution will help the ITUC office provide training for workers, union leaders and staff on:

• organising and representing members
• the basics of running a union, from book keeping to
• developing bargaining demands and carry them forward effectively
• understanding and using the law.
• identifying and reporting instances of forced labour, which continue to be imposed on people throughout the country.
• campaigning and lobbying the government on issues of concern to working people. 

Please consider donating to support the TUC Aid – Burma appeal.