For over three years, Myanmar’s democratic movement has fought against a military junta that relies on forced labor and brutal repression to maintain control. Trade unions are central to the resistance, but labor activists face severe retaliation.

Khaing Zar Aung, president of the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar, has been forced into exile but continues to campaign against the regime’s use of forced labor. She is now a prominent voice for workers’ rights and democracy. On being awarded the Arthur Svennson International Prize for Trade Union Rights, she shared the work of Myanmar’s labor resistance against forced labor and dictatorship.

The movement is undeterred 

Since the 2021 military coup, the junta has unleashed violence, killing, torturing, and displacing millions. Over 8,000 civilians, including trade unionists, have died, and at least 26,799 people have been detained. Trade unionists are particularly targeted; many leaders have been arrested or forced into hiding. The regime has blacklisted Khaing Zar and her colleagues, declaring their passports void and issuing state treason charges.

Despite these conditions, Khaing Zar holds out hope and believes Myanmar’s democratic forces are stronger than ever. The military has been losing control of more and more areas of the country.

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