Amid some signs of political liberalisation, the situation for workers in Burma is as grim as ever. Once again, attempts to form independent trade unions were thwarted by the Burmese Government. In addition to low pay and bad working conditions, Burmese workers are routinely enlisted by the military government into doing forced labour. To make matters worse, the military conscripts prisoners to act as unpaid porters and as advance scouts in areas containing mines. Many workers have fled Burma to avoid the brutality of the government only to find themselves in situations of terrible exploitation in Thailand, with no support from the Thai government. The Federation of Trade Unions of Burma continues to organise workers from the border regions of Burma and Thailand.
Amid some signs of political liberalisation, the situation for workers in Burma is as grim as ever. Once again, attempts to form independent trade unions were thwarted by the Burmese Government. In addition to low pay and bad working conditions, Burmese workers are routinely enlisted by the military government into doing forced labour. To make matters worse, the military conscripts prisoners to act as unpaid porters and as advance scouts in areas containing mines. Many workers have fled Burma to avoid the brutality of the government only to find themselves in situations of terrible exploitation in Thailand, with no support from the Thai government. The Federation of Trade Unions of Burma continues to organise workers from the border regions of Burma and Thailand.
