Myanmar authorities disperse striking industrial zone workers

Myanmar authorities have taken action to disperse striking garment workers with Yangon's Shwepyitha Industrial Zone as negotiation with the striking workers made no progress on settling labor dispute, a semi- official report said Thursday.

The workers from the foreign-owned E-Land Myanmar Garment Factory staging protest at the industrial zone were dispersed by the security force Wednesday near evening with about 15 protestors and two reporters including a foreigner being detained.

The two reporters were later released on warning, said the Global New Light of Myanmar.

The legal action was taken amid warning of the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security against break of law and instigation to disturb rule of law.

Earlier on Feb. 20, the authorities had taken legal action against the month-long labor strike staged by 2,000 workers from three foreign-invested garment factories in Shwepyitha industrial zone, north of Yangon.

During the incident, labor strike leaders, along with 30 workers, had been arrested.

The labor strike started from Jan. 28 demanding for increased pay.

Foreign employers have also demanded the government to provide protection to their factories.

Although the majority of the striking workers had reached agreement with their employers during the negotiation and have returned to work, some of them continue their sit-in protest outside one of the garment factories in Shwepyitha industrial zone. Endi