The head of the Myanmar junta told workers to find jobs at the national level rather than abroad, citing a shortage of labor, despite the serious economic slowdown of the country and bad working conditions, the army announced on Thursday.
Since the 2021 coup, employment opportunities and economic security in Myanmar have dropped due to the drop in foreign investments, worsening labor rights and the repression of union activity.
Conscription and low wages have also led millions of Myanmar workers to countries like Thailand, which caused unpopular junta policies such as forced funds, heavy taxes and stricter repatriation efforts – pushing a lot to remain undocumented abroad to avoid a military exam.
“Due to the shortage of workers in the country caused by the migration of workers abroad, it is necessary to focus on the creation of employment opportunities in the country where there is a safer and safer living environment, rather than encouraging more migration,” said General Aung Hlaging in a message from the Labor Day, as quoted by the office of the Commander of Defense.
The Junta Ministry of Labor will promote opportunities thanks to employment fairs, added Min Aung Hlaing, saying that they would allow employers to provide a “placement arrest store”.
But Phyo Sandar SOE, deputy secretary general of the Myanmar unions Confederation, one of the country’s largest unions, believes that the junta should first suppress forced work, confirm the standards of the minimum wage and prohibit child labor.
“The soldiers transform the country into a place of slavery.
Shwe Zin, who works in a clothing factory in one of Yangon’s industrial zones, also deplored that management often threatens the employees of actions which are still well in their rights.
“We have no legal rights. Workers also have challenges with sick and parental leave, while pregnant workers are lively. The authorities also ask workers to have overtime-if we do not do so, we are dismissed, “she said.
The announcement of the chief of the junta came while the Militaire of Myanmar seemed to allow a ceasefire – initially introduced to facilitate the efforts to rescue earthquakes – to expire on May 1, despite the undergoing humanitarian needs and international calls for its prolongation.
The Junta made no announcement – unlike last week’s extension – and calls from Radio Free Asia to Junta spokesperson, Major -General Zaw Min Tun, who asked for unanswered clarification on Thursday.
The ceasefire, declared after the devastating earthquake of 7.7 coarse on March 28 which killed at least 3,800 people and left tens of thousands of homeless, was intended to support rescue operations.
However, the reports indicate that the military continued the air strikes and the artillery attacks during the cease-fire period, undergoing rescue efforts and exacerbating the crisis.
Translated by Kiana Duncan. Published by Tajun Kang and Mike Firn.