Trade unionists resisting the bloody coup in Myanmar call for international solidarity
In 2019, the Independent Federation of Myanmar Seafarers (IFOMS) came to the offices of United Voices of the World (UVW).
They generously gave their time to speak to UVW members and staff about their struggle and success in forming an independent trade union.
Now they are calling on the trade union movement for support and solidarity as they resist the bloody coup in Myanmar.
"Unlike previous citizen uprisings against the army, we now have independent unions in Myanmar and unions are at the forefront of the fight for democracy.
Unions are organising strikes, boycotts and participating in demonstrations. However, the strikers are suffering serious financial hardship. Many are struggling to put food on the table for their families and buy basic necessities.
Any kind of solidarity or strike fund that UVW could organise for these strikers would be a massive help to our struggle.
Unions are vital for the fight for democracy.
Without effective unions there can be no democracy, there is only dictatorship by the elites" said IFOMS in a letter to UVW.
Like UVW, IFOMS is an anti-racist, independent, direct action and multi-ethnic union. It is open to all seafarers in Myanmar, irrespective of their ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
With the onset of the military coup, IFOMS officials and members have been at the forefront of resisting military repression and in fighting for the restoration of democracy.
Here is how you can support workers resisting the coup
The money raised will be used to ensure striking workers and their families have access to food and medical supplies.
Our target of £10,000 will make a huge difference to our brothers and sisters resisting oppression in Myanmar.
Internationalism should not be a buzzword, it should be at the centre of our politics.
As an anti-racist and direct action trade union, UVW is proud to stand with our brothers and sisters in Myanmar as they resist repression and take our responsibility to do so seriously.