Myanmar’s junta chief told workers to find jobs domestically rather than abroad, citing a labor shortage, despite the country’s severe economic downturn and poor working conditions, the military said on Thursday.
Since the 2021 coup, job opportunities and economic security in Myanmar have plummeted due to dwindling foreign investment, worsening labor rights and crackdowns on union activity.
Conscription and low wages have also driven millions of Myanmar workers to countries like Thailand, prompting unpopular junta policies such as forced remittances, heavy taxes and stricter repatriation efforts – pushing many to remain undocumented abroad to avoid military scrutiny.
“Due to the shortage of workers in the country caused by the migration of workers abroad, it is necessary to focus on creating job opportunities within the country where there is a safer and more secure living environment, rather than encouraging more migration,” Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said in a Labor Day message, as cited by the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services.
The junta’s labor ministry will promote opportunities through job fairs, Min Aung Hlaing added, saying they would allow employers to provide a “one stop shop for job placements.”
But Phyo Sandar Soe, assistant secretary general of the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar, one of the country’s largest unions, believes the junta should first crack down on forced labor, uphold minimum wage standards and prohibit child labor.
“The military is turning the country into a place of slavery. Myanmar workers are left with no protection at all,” she said.
Shwe Zin, who works at a garment factory in one of Yangon’s industrial zones, also lamented that management often threatens employees for actions that are still well within their rights.
“We don’t have legal rights. Workers also have challenges with sick and parental leave, while pregnant workers get fired frequently. The authorities also ask workers to work overtime – if we don’t, we get fired,” she said.
The junta chief’s announcement came as Myanmar’s military regime appeared to allow a ceasefire – originally introduced to facilitate earthquake rescue efforts – to expire on May 1, despite ongoing humanitarian needs and international appeals for its extension.
The junta made no announcement – unlike last week’ s extension – and Radio Free Asia’s calls to junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun seeking clarification went unanswered Thursday.
The ceasefire, declared after the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28 that killed at least 3,800 people and left tens of thousands homeless, was intended to support relief operations.
However, reports indicate that the military continued airstrikes and artillery attacks during the ceasefire period, undermining relief efforts and exacerbating the crisis .
Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.