Impacts Of COVID-19: Labour Organizations Organize Press Conference

A Press Conference on addressing the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy was held at Myanmar Press Freedom Center in Yangon on Wednesday.

The press conference was organized by 14 Labour Organizations and officials explained about participations in the activities of COVID-19 prevention, containment and treatment measures undertaken by the Government and handling the issues on the impacts of the disease in the economy.

President, CTUM, Maung Maung said “Especially, the garment industries are operating with many workers in Myanmar. So we are worried about this industry. Cancellation of orders from Europe market was more affected than the lack of raw materials. Some raw materials have been imported now but the export orders were canceling because the Europe Shopping centers are closed. It is a global crisis and we are suffering these impacts. So far, we are discussing to address this issue in cooperation with Myanmar Chinese Chamber of Commerce and also UMFCCI.”

The 14 Labour Organizations also released a statement at the event, highlighting the outbreak of coronavirus in the world nation, endeavours of the government and the Ministry of Health and Sports in the disease prevention and response measures, awareness programs and tacking the labour issues in cooperation with the Labour Organization, CSOs and the Employers’ Organizations.

General Secretary, MICS-TUsF, Thet Hnin Aung said “We mainly discuss to give stay-home leave, to put hand gels and soaps in the work area and to give some percentage of salary to workers with the Social Security Board’s funds during the unemployment condition. We demand to give loans with low interest rate from the Government Office. The reducing bank interest rate for the employers is started now. We will continue to discuss the labor issues currently.”

According to the statement, the discussions and meetings were held in collaboration with the Labour Organizations, CSOs and the Employers’ Organizations concerning health, economy, and social impacts by the corona virus.

The tripartite meetings between representatives from the Government, employers and employees are being held starting 4th March to negotiate the demands of employers and employees.