Eleven Yangon-based strike groups sent an open letter on March 12 to members of the European Union (EU) government and member states of the International Labor Organization (ILO) calling on them to stand with the people of Myanmar to protect the justice and rights of working people.

The open letter, titled “Calling for action against the military coup that is forcing citizens to lose their democratic rights and freedoms,” states that the Myanmar military has not only failed to comply with the recommendations of the ILO Commission of Inquiry, but has also committed grave violations. It calls on the EU and ILO member states to stand with the Burmese people to ensure that these recommendations are met at the ILO Governing Body – ILO Executive Session to be held from 10 to 21 March.

The ILO Commission of Inquiry has issued (10) recommendations to be followed since the military has been committing various inhumane crimes since the violent military coup.

Ground strike forces from other regions across the country, linked to the General Strike Coordination Committee (GSCB), a coalition of strike forces, local farmers, ranchers, and workers, are also demonstrating under the slogan “ILO implement Article 33 on Myanmar Now 2025” to demand immediate action against the military regime under ILO Article 33.

Article (33) stipulates that sanctions can be imposed if a member state violates international labor standards.