With support from IndustriALL and Australian union MEU, the Industrial Workers' Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) continued to defend workers' rights in 2025 despite extreme repression, documenting abuses, helping workers recover unpaid wages and strengthening global pressure on the military regime.

Myanmar's workers continue to face severe repression following the military coup, with labour rights dismantled and trade union activity criminalised. Despite these conditions, IWFM organizers supported more than 6,400 workers in recovering unpaid wages and compensation in 2025 and documented 438 labour rights violations, the majority in the garment sector.

Organizing under repression

IWFM members continued trade union work under extremely difficult conditions, assisting workers facing wage theft, unfair dismissal, harassment and factory closures.

IWFM president Khaing Zar Aung described the scale of the challenge facing organizers on the ground.

"Despite the military's attempt to silence trade unions, Myanmar workers continue to resist exploitation and defend their rights. Our organizers are risking their safety every day to support workers, document abuses and keep the labour movement alive. International solidarity is critical so that Myanmar's workers are not abandoned and those responsible for repression are held accountable."

Protection and solidarity

Safe houses along the Myanmar border enabled union leaders to maintain coordination and continue supporting workers.

International advocacy

Through international advocacy led by Khaing Zar Aung, as central committee members of the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM) and together with the Council of Global Unions, trade unions pushed for global accountability. This contributed to progress on ILO Article 33 measures and increased pressure on international brands sourcing from Myanmar.

IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie underlined the importance of continued global support.

"IndustriALL stands firmly with Myanmar's workers and trade unionists who continue to resist repression at great personal risk. The results achieved by IWFM in 2025 are a testament to the power of international solidarity. We will not stop demanding accountability from the military regime and from the global brands that continue to profit from Myanmar's workers."

International solidarity remains critical to ensure Myanmar's workers are not abandoned and that independent trade unions remain ready to rebuild democratic labour institutions in the future.

Fact box

Impact in 2025

• 6,400+ workers supported
• 438 labour violations documented
• Union staff operating despite repression
• Safe houses protecting trade union leadership
• Global advocacy advancing ILO action