Burma

Burma is ruled by a brutal military dictatorship, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), following the overriding of the democratic elections in 1990 which were won by the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi who is still under house arrest despite calls from the international community for her immediate release.

Politicians, pro-democracy activists and supporters of free trade unions are imprisoned and Burmese citizens confronted with fear and intimidation. Forced labour is imposed on workers, including children, and trade unions are banned from operating.

Emerging trade unions operate under very difficult circumstances in neighbouring countries along the Burmese border, and have to make clandestine trips into Burma to support workers within the country. They risk imprisonment if caught.

UNISON is committed in supporting the Burmese people's struggle to restore democracy and freedom in Burma, enabling the Burmese people the chance of living a life free from oppression and violation of human and workers' rights.

In 2005 at UNISON's National Delegate Conferene Aung San Suu Kyi was given honorary life membership of UNISON. Burma Campaign UK accepting her membership said the news would be broadcast into Burma and 'Aung San Suu Kyi will know that people all over the world and UNISON here today are supporting her struggle for freedom and democracy'.

UNISON's policy on Burma includes:

continuing its support to the Federation of Trade Unions Burma (FTUB). UNISON has recently funded a capacity-building project to enable FTUB to recruit members, despite the Government proscribing the organisation

ensuring Burma is kept high on the political agenda by raising the issues with UK Government ministers and officials

campaigning for the release of trade unionists imprisioned for their trade union activities

seeking to build links with emerging unions such as those representing Karen workers

continuing its support to the Burma Campaign UK and the Burma Sanctions Coalition. Burma Campaign UK

Information on other campaigns on Burma ICFTU now ITUC- Burma campaign

UNISON conference motions - Burma
National Black Members Conference 2006 - Aung San Suu Kyi
Full text of motion
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Conference 2006 - Diversity in Survival Full text of motion

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