International Trade Union Confederation
ITUC Online
161/220908
Burma: Two Years Hard labour sentence for Burmese labour activist
Brussels, 22 September 2008 (ITUC OnLine): The ITUC strongly condemns the recent sentencing to two years hard labour of
U Thet Way, a Burmese labour activist. U Thet Way was involved in helping to supply the International Labour
Organisation with information on forced labour including the military junta’s practise of recruitment of children into
the army.
“Once again the military junta is showing complete disregard for fundamental rights,” said Guy Ryder, ITUC general
secretary. “Condemning U Thet Way simply because he spoke up for workers’ rights is an intolerable action."
The International Labour Office has said it is “concerned and disappointed” at the sentencing.
ENDS
The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates.