The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Governments of the United States, Myanmar, Japan and Denmark have together launched the Initiative to Promote Fundamental Labour Rights and Practices in Myanmar, this month.
The Initiative will help modernise Myanmar’s labour code, improve compliance with international labour standards, and foster a robust dialogue between the Government, business, labour and civil society in Myanmar (Burma), according to a statement from the White House.
The United States, as part of its efforts to support democratic and economic reforms in Myanmar, is working with the Myanmarese Government and the international community to improve fundamental labour rights and set a strong foundation for sustainable growth and development in the Southeast Asian nation, the statement said.
Under the Initiative, a multilateral, multi-stakeholder approach will be adopted to strengthen labour reform, enforcement, transparency, and domestic stakeholder consultations.
The Initiative will build on the significant labour law reforms already undertaken in Myanmar, and will support development by the Myanmarese Government, in partnership with the ILO and the Initiative governments, of a multi-year labour reform plan. It will also bring stakeholders into the discussion on labour reforms and build the foundations for good industrial relations and civil society consultations in Myanmar.
In early 2015, a stakeholder forum will be held in Myanmar to provide input on the development of the labour reform plan, and draft the plan through the Labour Law Reform Cluster. The US Department of Labour will provide initial “seed” funding to the ILO to bring on board a labour law expert, who will assist the Government of Myanmar in developing the labour reform plan over the next six months.
By supporting the Government and stakeholders in promoting fundamental labour rights and responsible business practices, the Initiative aims to protect Myanmar’s workers and support its businesses, and thereby make Myanmar an attractive sourcing and investment destination, including apparel sourcing and investment destination, and thus advance Myanmar’s overall sustainable growth and development. (RKS)
