The Republic of the Union of Myanmar
National Unity Government
President Office
Message from the Acting President of the National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the Workers on the Felicitation of May Day
1st May 2025
- On this year’s May Day, May 1, 2025, I extend my heartfelt wishes for mental strength, resilience, and physical well-being to all manual and intellectual workers both inside the country and abroad.
- May Day is a day to honor and value the legacy of the struggles fought for the rights, dignity, and justice of workers around the world. The strength, unity, and sacrifices of workers across generations have become historic milestones, giving rise to this meaningful and commemorative day. In Myanmar as well, we pay deep respect to the great Myanmar workforce, who have continuously and bravely participated – from the 1300 Revolution to today’s Spring Revolution – in the struggle to uproot military dictatorship and build a Federal Democratic Union.
- In Myanmar, since the military coup on February 1, 2021, the fundamental labour rights and human rights have been severely violated. Trade Union leaders have been arrested and imprisoned, arrest warrants have been issued, travel rights have been restricted, and citizenship has been revoked. Trade Unions have been pressured to re-register, forced to re-elect their leaders, and denied the right to freely associate, organize, and express their views. In addition, forced military conscription has been imposed. These actions constitute serious violations and non-compliance with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions – Convention No. 87 (1948) on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, and Convention No. 29 (1930) on Forced Labour. As a result, in March 2022, the ILO established an independent and fair Commission of Inquiry on Myanmar (COI).
- The Tripartite Body led by the Ministry of Labour of the National Unity Government – comprising representatives of the government, employers, and workers – has actively participated in the activities of the COI. This body has been working to ensure that effective and strong actions are taken under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution against the military junta currently committing violations, and to secure official recognition of the National Unity Government as the legitimate government of the people of Myanmar through ILO mechanisms. These efforts have begun to yield meaningful success. We deeply acknowledge and appreciate the active cooperation of the entire Myanmar Labour Alliance (MLA), Global Unions, and Myanmar workers both inside the country and abroad, whose contributions have been instrumental in achieving this progress.
- Due to the military’s violent attempt to seize power, Myanmar’s already fragile economy has further deteriorated. The imposition of forced military conscription has led to a mass exodus from workplaces, resulting in significant labour shortages. Additionally, employers have been pressured by the junta to unjustly pay wages to workers during their conscription periods, as dictated by unlawful orders – further straining business operations. On top of these challenges, the country has now reached a critical point following the devastating natural disaster – a powerful earthquake that struck on March 28, 2025. We am deeply saddened by the severe socio-economic impacts these compounded crises have had on workers and the families who rely on them.
- The physical and psychological hardships faced daily by workers and the wider ethnic population of Myanmar can only be truly resolved when the dictatorship is completely dismantled. Only then can the fundamental rights that have been lost – such as freedoms, equality, and justice – be fully restored, and the urgently needed efforts to rebuild the country be effectively realized. Therefore, we strongly urge all Myanmar people including workers both inside the country and abroad to continue their revolutions by every possible means, so that the Spring Revolution of Myanmar can achieve a swift and decisive victory.
- As reflected in this year’s May Day slogan – “Social Justice and Decent Work” – it is essential for all of us to unite in the effort to restore justice for the crimes committed by the military junta and to ensure that all workers can return to decent, dignified employment in fair and safe working environments.
- We, the National Unity Government, once again urge the United Nations (UN), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and others, as well as governments around the world that value fundamental human rights and labour rights, to provide practical support and strengthen cooperation in tangible ways.
- The National Unity Government solemnly honors the historic struggles of workers who have long stood at the forefront in the pursuit of social justice and democracy. In our unwavering commitment to building a just and humane society, we affirm our solidarity with all the people of our nation.
The revolution must and will prevail.
Duwa Lashi La
Acting President
National Unity Government