“There were some actions taken but they were not for conducting protests to air their grievances,” said U Thein Swe, minister of Labour, Immigration and Population, during a meeting with workers organisations on Monday.
“Actions were taken as some labour organisations and protesting workers broke the law,” he said.
U Thein Swe’s statement was in reaction to a statement by the International Labour Organization’s local office that protesting workers are still being punished by the government.
The minister said that the Labour Law allows workers to protest at their work sites, but they need to follow the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law if they protest outside their work compound.
He added that those who hold protests outside their work area would be charged with breaking the law.
He also said the government needs to make more vigorous efforts to eliminate forced labour. – Translated
