Myanmar pledges to promote, protect labor rights

Myanmar has pledged to promote and protect labor rights, including ending forced labor and stronger enforcement of child labor law in the country, the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population said on Monday.

In a statement, the ministry invited all interested partners to join with the government in its efforts to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on labor-related issues.

Labor Minister U Thein Swe, at a workers-related function at the weekend, called on the employers to respect the rights of workers in accordance with the Labor Law while pursuing their own interest, urging them to maximize their workplace efficiency and hone their skill in their chosen areas of work.

He also called on the labor organizations to help workers in line with the law, disclosing that plans are underway to guarantee workers international workplace standard, including in-house training, social security, healthcare, good labor relations and fair hearing on labor dispute.

He underlined that with cooperation of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and other partners, Myanmar has made significant achievements in areas of eliminating forced labor and promoting freedom of association.

He added that the decent work program has been implemented in Myanmar.

Myanmar saw 1,917 labor organizations at basic level, 105 at township level and 14 at region or state level, 7 labor federations and one labor confederation. Endit