Myanmar’s Workers Are Fighting for Democracy: The World Must Stand with Them

On July 25, armed men stormed the home of Solidarity Trade Union of Myanmar (STUM) labor leader Myo Myo Aye, dragging her away in handcuffs. Days later, labor organizer Thin Htet San, along with eight other STUM members, was also arrested. Their crime? Defending workers’ rights in a country where speaking up has become life-threatening.

This is the grim reality in Myanmar today. Since the military coup of 2021, the junta has unleashed brutal repression against labor activists, declaring 16 unions illegal, jailing organizers, and weaponizing laws to silence dissent. Yet, despite the risks, workers continue to resist by organizing underground unions, demanding fair wages, and keeping the fight for democracy alive.

The junta has perfected the use of lawfare to crush opposition. Section 505-A of the Penal Code criminalizes even mild criticism of the regime, while Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law is routinely used against union leaders for their online posts. When workers attempted to unionize recently at Golden Colour Fashion, a garment factory that produces for international brands, management cited the law to justify assaults, firings, and retaliatory lawsuits under Section 66(d).

This is not an isolated incident; rather, it is part of a systematic campaign to dismantle Myanmar’s labor and democracy movements. Workers who should be negotiating over wages instead find themselves fighting for survival against both their employers and the state.

And yet, Myanmar’s labor movement remains one of the most courageous forces for democracy in the country. Despite facing arrests, intimidation, and even torture, unions continue to organize strikes and protests. The unions have emerged as a moral voice against authoritarianism, reminding the world that the fight for decent work is inseparable from the fight for freedom.

The international community has begun to respond. In June 2025, the International Labour Organization invoked Article 33 of its Constitution—a rare and powerful step—urging governments, employers, and unions worldwide to cut ties that enable the junta’s abuses. But resolutions alone will not free Myanmar’s imprisoned workers. Solidarity and action must follow.

Myanmar labour organizations have been clear about what they want:

• Release all detained labor leaders immediately—including Myo Myo Aye, her daughter Thin Htet San, and other members of the Solidarity Trade Union of Myanmar.
• Support Myanmar’s workers directly, through regional and global campaigns that amplify their voices and expose the junta’s crimes.
• Pressure international brands sourcing from Myanmar to stop union-busting in their supply chains and to protect workers’ rights.

Myanmar’s workers are showing extraordinary bravery under impossible conditions. They are not only fighting for higher wages or better hours—they are fighting for dignity, for democracy, and for a future free from military rule.

The world cannot look away; each day of silence leads to more arrests, raids, and repression. Standing with Myanmar’s workers means standing for human rights everywhere.

It is time to act.