12 September
The Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar CTUM does not condone any one committing violence nor agree with any organization using violence against any person. But, that does not mean the CTUM concurs with the UN FFM forcing multinational companies from developed and democratic countries to withdraw from Myanmar. It is nothing more than a “scattergun approach” to penalize the Myanmar military but, in fact, will only hurt the ordinary working people by depriving them of their livelihoods and their social status. The FFM’s unwitting action will be driving out the workers off the formal economy towards a black economy, the hazards of trafficking, and the uncharted territory of becoming migrants in another country.
The FFM will be held responsible for wreaking havoc on the lives of the workers in Myanmar who are seeking out a living in one of the lowest income communities of the Asean region.
At the same time, the FFM has also neglected the investment of the democratic revolution and the endeavors of the Trade Unions and the Tripartite Dialogue partners who are laying down the foundations for a community that works through Social Dialogue. The FFM’s pressure is bound to make the working population of 22 million in this country lose confidence in the United Nations and hinder the efforts to develop a community that accepts Social Dialogue.
The Brands also should be aware that once the contracts are withdrawn, it will take another decade for the political will to be rebuilt. The action will only aggravate the situation in Myanmar and leave the country behind with employers who do not respect Human Rights and Workers Rights.
Given the difficulties involved in building trust within the displaced communities all over the world, the FFM should not be the one to create mayhem for the 400,000 0 workers in an emerging working community.
We acknowledge the fact that as a country we need to do more, we can do more to create equal opportunity for all citizens. All members of the FFM know that “trust building” needs working relationship and it does have to start somewhere, “trust building” needs space to work together to find alternatives rather than blocking all avenues of political, economical and social dialogue.
We, therefore, call upon the United Nations and its agencies to be neutral bodies, to provide accurate information, and refrain from action that will make the 22 million workers of Myanmar lose trust in the United Nations.
We urge the Brands to look at the developments being made in the country by the Tripartite Partners and to trust your own instincts without being swayed by the strong international lobbies.
CTUM
