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19 February, 2026Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar warns of worsening repression as global unions call for stronger international action under ILO Article 33.
On 15 February, IndustriALL leadership met union leaders of the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) in exile to discuss the continuing challenges facing workers and trade union members since the 2021 military coup. The meeting also included online participation from IWFM leaders and members still inside the country, underscoring the union’s continued work despite repression and security threats.
For more than five years, Myanmar’s military authorities have intensified their crackdown on civil society, democratic movements and workers’ rights. IWFM reported that independent trade unions have been banned, leaders arrested and freedom of association severely restricted, affecting workers and unions both inside the country and in exile.
IWFM leaders in exile described the conditions that forced them to flee following the military takeover, sharing accounts of systematic suppression of trade union activity and the collapse of basic labour protections under military rule.
Khaing Zar Aung, chairperson of IWFM, said:
“Since the military coup, many IWFM union leaders have been forced to live in exile under extremely difficult circumstances. They face ongoing insecurity, unstable legal status, financial hardship and separation from their families, while continuing to carry out their trade union responsibilities. Despite these challenges, they remain committed to organizing workers, documenting labour rights violations, advocating internationally and coordinating support networks for displaced and migrant workers.
“Living in exile requires constant adaptation — navigating new legal systems, securing basic livelihoods and maintaining communication with colleagues inside Myanmar under repression. Their resilience and solidarity have enabled IWFM to sustain its organizational structures and continue the struggle for workers’ rights, democracy and social justice, even under prolonged displacement.”
IWFM leaders stressed that the current moment represents a critical test for the international community, particularly regarding the implementation of Article 33 of the ILO Constitution. Article 33 allows the ILO to call on member states to take measures when a country fails to comply with recommendations addressing serious and persistent violations of labour standards.
While full enforcement remains complex, IWFM emphasized that coordinated pressure from governments, employers and global institutions is essential to ensure that ILO decisions are not merely symbolic. The federation reiterated its policy to work with CTUM and allied democratic forces to advance implementation of Article 33 measures.
IWFM and IndustriALL agreed to intensify advocacy for meaningful follow-up under Article 33, aimed at holding the military authorities accountable, restricting access to economic resources that fuel repression and restoring respect for fundamental labour rights in Myanmar. The joint action plan includes strengthening the work inside the country with organizing and addressing the conflict cases with remediation.
Kemal Özkan, IndustriALL assistant general secretary, said:
“We deeply admire the courage and determination of the union leaders of the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar, both those in exile and those continuing their work inside the country under immense risk. Their steadfast commitment is not only defending workers’ rights today; it is helping to set the course toward the restoration of peace, democracy and a future for Myanmar.
“You are not alone in your struggle for democracy in Myanmar. IndustriALL is here and fully supports you.”
The meeting formed part of a joint ITUC-AP and Global Union Federations mission, together with the Confederation of Trade Unions in Myanmar (CTUM), to discuss coordinated action in supporting democracy and democratic union movement around CTUM, including the campaign over the ILO Article 33 resolution. The delegation also held dialogue with representatives of the National Unity Government (NUG) representatives, including the Ministry of labour.