Myanmar Spring

Arab Spring has been guiding light for some countries including my country. Fortunately, my country able to change without major uprising to democratic transition stage from existing iron-fist ruled nation. Probably, it show Myanmar's way of transforming political landscape. Just more than a year from general election, our people have seen much different both in political and economical. The world community has been active to encourage several reforms in Burma. Even critics has been surprised to see the pace that our civilian leaders are going. There have been more transparency among government plan and projects now. Today government let people know their intention with regard to policies as well as national projects.

Obviously, some investors are taking advantages from the lack of labor laws within Burma. There is no labor union that could protect worker's rights. The government staffs from existing labor office are lacking experience in handling the problems between employer and employees. We still don't have the rule/law for minimum wages for our workers. It favors the foreign investors to gain upper hand whenever things come against them. In past, the investors have nothing to fear as long as they have Junta's approval. As we were struggling with international sanction, we have no choice but to accept incoming investors regardless of their profile. Mostly come from neighboring countries like Thailand and China. They know the situation inside Burma well than any nation else in this world. The have spoiled our governance system by corrupting. It's not blamable as they are doing their own business. Our authority is only to blame for those backward movement at the expense of our people's interests.

Since late March, there have been several labor strikes in the industrial zone of Yangon which is biggest and former capital city in Burma. Regardless of which factory is it, the sole reason behind is the same. They have been working without complaints for so many years as they are not suppose to. In past, it is not impossible to show their desire in mass against anything. Also they know it's losing battle if they do so. More importantly, they can't afford to lose the job they are working for as it is not easy to find a new job. But the mindset of people have changed since general election in 2010, especially after recent by-election in which NLD enter the parliament. As things change almost everywhere, people become more open-minded as they gradually realize the authority has allowed people to express. The media are writing and publishing more inside news to reflect what's happening inside top levels.

As the first labor strike went successful, there have been so many to follow. The labor ministry is seeing more and more strikes from factory workers with daily basis. The situation become serious when their demand are not met or resolved by authority. Our authority seems irresponsible by citing some official's explanation words toward current labor strikes. Our labor are helpless when they are being told that labor authority unable to help them. It's irresponsible way to say people in crisis. The more our authority said like that, the more abuse are likely to come by foreign investors. If we are suppose to open up our nation, our authority have to be wise enough to protect our workers. Otherwise, the people's patient will reach unbearable end one day and lead to uprising which is not recommended. On the other hand, the potential FDI will see those ill strikes and our nation's image will be severely affected. In this circumstance, the government should have been wise in taming people's desire. Our worker are not asking for greedy money. They are seeking for a minimum wages that can make them survive in increasing daily expenses. The employers will defiant until last minute unless the authority step in to settle. 

May every worker able to get their rights by laws.