Protest Statement on Murder of seafarers’ trade union organizer

2 June 2005

The International Center for Labor Solidarity (ICLS) expresses the deepest concern about the murder of Ko Moe Naung, a Seafarers’ Union of Burma (SUB) organizer in the Ranong region by the Burmese military forces on 19 May 2005.

According to the information from SUB, Ko Moe was arrested at his residence in Ranong by unidentified men at 8:00 pm local time on that day. He was brought to 8-mile Village based Light Infantry Regiment (LIR) 431 in Kawthang, Burma and tortured to death during interrogation. We know that he was a dedicated union activist, and it is clear that he was targeted by the Burmese military regime because of his union activities.

We can’t allow this murder. We can no longer tolerate the Burmese military regime’s stance of stamping out all forms of labor union organization, with no regard for human life.

SUB is a member union of the International Center for Labor Solidarity (ICLS) which we established to strengthen workers’ solidarity against oppressions caused by neo-liberal globalization. ICLS condemns the Burmese regime for such cruel actions, and the detention and torture of union leaders which continues regardless of criticism from all over the world.

ICLS demands 1. The truth of this murder has to be disclosed and the persons responsible for it must be punished. 1. The Burmese regime must allow all labor rights and stop oppression of the labor movement. 1. The Burmese regime must guarantee all the basic human rights in Burma. 1. The Burmese regime must release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political arrestees. we also oppose the chairing of ASEAN in 2006 by Burma (Myanmar) until such time that reforms are initiated and democracy is restored. In solidity with SUB and workers all around the world, ICLS will fight against the Burmese military regime until achieving these demands.

International Center for Labor Solidarity (ICLS)

Korea - Korean Federation of Railway & Subway Workers' Unions
Japan - Japan Confederation of Railway Workers' Unions
Philippines - Philippine Railway Worker' Union
Thailand - The State Railway Workers' Union of Thailand
New Zealand – Rail & Maritime Trade Union