Myanmar's negotiation continues for settling labor dispute

Myanmar authorities have been continuing to sponsor negotiations between foreign employers and striking workers to settle labor dispute in factories in Yangon's industrial zones.

However, action will be taken against those who break the law and instigate for disturbing the rule of law, said a statement on Tuesday from the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security.

Foreign employers have demanded the government to provide protection for their factories to safeguard operation, the statement said, warning that the move of blocking entrances of some factories by the striking workers has reached above of the existing law.

"Some factories in Shwepyitha and Hlaingtharya industrial zones are facing to be blacklisted as their production has stopped for about two weeks due to labor strike as from Jan. 28," the statement said.

Although the majority of the striking workers has reached agreement with their employers during the negotiation and have returned to work, some workers are still conducting sit-in protest outside one of the garment factories, the statement added.

Last week, Myanmar police force took legal action against the month-long labor strike staged by 2,000 workers from three foreign- invested garment factories in Shwepyitha industrial zone in north of the city demanding better pay.

During that incident, labor strike leaders, along with 30 workers, were arrested.

However, the series of workers' issues have impacted on foreign investment potential in the country, the Yangon regional government said, adding that it can cause loss to both the workers and the employers.

Meanwhile, strikes also took place in another industrial zone in Yangon, which is the Hlaingthaya, demanding the same.

The two industrial zones are the biggest ones in Yangon. Endi