Call to Action : ITUC-ETUC Letter on the situation in Myanmar

Brussels, 19 February 2021

• To the Ambassadors, Coreper II

Dear Ambassadors,

The ETUC and the ITUC appreciate the European Union’s position on swift action to reassert democracy in Myanmar. Along with you, trade unions are appalled at the seizing of power by the military in Myanmar and are watching workers stand up to military oppression with pots and pans as they refuse to work in military enterprises and take to the streets to stand up for democracy, 

We appreciate the extraordinary meeting of Foreign Ministers convened for next week and ask that you take all actions within your power to stop the coup succeeding, ensure the release of all those detained and help bring an end to the violence and harassment of the people. The perpetrators of the coup must be isolated.

We have called on all companies to act ethically and suspend any business activities that allow the military to prosper. We appreciate the actions taken by the Biden Administration to block bank accounts for the military leaders and cut off direct business as well as aid and technical support that allows the leaders of the coup to portray ‘business as usual’. Europe can further deepen efforts to cripple their capacity to do business and to press for recognition of the democratically elected leaders.

The trade unions have asked all governments to;

• Stand together and not recognise or appease the military;
• Target sanctions at the military leaders, including immediate financial sanctions that focus on their business interests;
• Publicly commit to suspend trade preference arrangements if the coup continues; and
• Cease all military cooperation with Myanmar and enact a ban on weapons exports.

This group of actions can cripple the capacity of the Military and remove the motivation for the coup.

We further ask that you:

• Identify all lobby firms employed by Myanmar’s military and demand accountability;
• Express support for Myanmar’s seat at the UN to be vacated;
• Maintain the pressure through the UN Security Council;
• Support the call from the UN Human Rights Council;
• Support and assist all refugees from Myanmar’s military persecution;
• Effect protection for diplomatic staff in foreign countries; and,
• Encourage International companies to provide support to workers where operations are curtailed, and support and protection to workers protesting the coup.

The people of Burma/Myanmar have suffered decades of dictatorship. We pledge our support for all actions that will defend the people of Myanmar’s ambition to ensure that the people’s vote is respected and that all those who have been democratically elected can form a legitimate government.

We are more than happy to discuss these requests or answer any questions.

Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary

Luca Visentini, ETUC General Secretary