The Global Unions Plan of Action on Burma

Leaders and representatives of the international union movement met in Tokyo in March 2001 and expressed full support for the Resolution on Burma adopted by the 88th ILO Conference in June 2000.

The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) has issued a Global Unions Action Plan for Burma. A key part of the campaign is pressuring companies to withdraw trade and investments in Burma, or face public exposure and union-driven consumer boycotts. Foreign companies and governments must be made accountable for investing in Burmese state-development projects where the use of forced labour is widespread.

The ACTU is calling on affiliate unions to pressure Australian trade out of Burma.

The Global Unions Plan of Action on Burma
(adopted in Tokyo on 1 March, 2001)

1. Strengthen material support to the FTUB (Federated Trade Unions of Burma)

2. Strengthen implementation of ILO Burma Resolution of June 2000, including:

• review of your government's bi-lateral relations with junta

• support holding of special Burma session during 2001 ILC

• support inclusion of this issue at next session of UN's ECOSOC [Economic & Social Council]

• seek consultations on Burma measures with your government under ILO Tripartite Consultation Convention, No 144

• seek improved co-ordination of UN Specialised Agencies and programs so that they do not in practice aid or abet forced labour

3. Increase pressure on the International Financial Institutions with the same purpose.

4. Lobby European Union Presidency and Member States to further strengthen existing Burma sanctions, in cooperation with the European Trade Union Confederation.

5. Lobby ASEAN member States to help bring about an end to forced labour and the establishment of democracy.

6. Seek early discussions with companies maintaining business relations with Burma in order that they withdraw trade and investments in Burma, or alternatively face public exposure, union-driven consumer pressure and boycotts.

7. Expand and strengthen workers shareholder action against companies trading with or operating in Burma. 8. Better inform rank-and-file membership, as well as the wider community, about the situation.

9. Organise an International Day of Union Action for Burma, and use the occasion, in cooperation with civic and religious groups, NGOs and others to:

• lobby governments

• pressure companies

• create public awareness

• target Burmese embassies

• link the Burma situation with the ILO Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work

10. Keep the Burma Plan of Action on union agendas and inform your membership of progress.

For more information about the Global Unions Plan of Action and companies trading or investing in Burma, click here.

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