Labour market governance and working conditions in Myanmar

Legal and Institutional Reforms for Improved Labour Market Governance (Myanmar Labour Market Governance Programme)

Background


The Myanmar Labour Market Governance Programme is designed against the very unique backdrop of a country engaging with the international community following decades of isolation. Reforms have been introduced – to include administrative, economic, social and political – though the extent of these reforms, as well as their speed and sincerity have often been called into question.

There is little doubt, however, that the changes to the labour market are both overdue and considerable, requiring further attention across three axes: further review and reform of labour laws, support to the institutions responsible for implementing and enforcing the new laws, and building the knowledge and skills of the main labour market actors to effectively operate under the new environment.

This is part of the Labour Law Reform Initiative comprised of the ILO and the Governments of Myanmar, Japan, United States, Denmark and the European Union. Two projects are being implemented by the ILO in support of the initiative with funding from the United States Department of Labor, European Union and the Netherlands.

Objectives

  • To assist the tripartite constituents in ensuring that laws or regulations are aligned with relevant International Labour Standards
  • To develop a labour law framework that is cohesive and based on social dialogue principles
  • To contribute to enhanced capacity building of labour market institutions to develop coherent laws and promote compliance and application
  • To build the capacities and confidence of the social partners to engage in social dialogue for labour law reform and sound industrial relations

Outputs

  • Continuing work undertaken to assist the Government to introduce or amend legislation and adopt regulations in support of the labour law reform process
  • Institutional capacity building plan for coherent labour legislation
  • Improved legislative process
  • Labour Standards Act developed (LSA)
  • Consolidated and cohesive Labour Code
  • Improved capacity of the labour inspectorate to improve compliance with labour laws that respect international labour standards
  • A better functioning, more responsive Labour Dispute Settlement system established
  • Institutionalized and operational National Tripartite Dialogue Forum (NTDF), in particular the Technical Working Group on Labour Law Reform (TWG-LLR) as well as established institution for sectoral social dialogue in at least one sector.
  • Better functioning, balanced and efficient wage-fixing institutions
  • Support to workers’ and employers organizations (local, sectoral and national levels) provided on administration, leadership, organizing and negotiation skills, promotion of gender equality and collective bargaining
  • Support to factory managers, workers and their representatives through the delivery of bipartite trainings

Contact Person: Ms Natsu Nogami, Chief Technical Adviser/Senior Legal Officer