If ILO imposes economic sanctions on Myanmar, hundreds of thousands of workers may face hardship

CNI News

10 May 2025

Due to reports that the International Labor Organization (ILO) will impose economic sanctions on Myanmar, if the ILO actually do so, hundreds of thousands of workers could face hardship, Secretary of the National Democratic Force Party (NDF) told CNI News.

The ILO usually imposes sanctions on countries that do not comply with the provisions of Article 33, so Myanmar will be scrutinized in June to determine whether it complies with Articles 29, 87, 111, and 138. 

Sanctions will be imposed if violations are found, according to reports circulating among domestic and foreign diplomats.

U Htet Aung Kyaw

“These four articles, Article 33, Article 29, Article 87, Article 111, and Article 138, must be followed. If Myanmar Fails to comply, it will be taken action. There are many workers in the garment industry. If Myanmar is taken action against, about four or five hundred thousand workers can lose their jobs. That's why I hope the government and the Ministry of Labor will handle these issues carefully and diligently." said U Htet Aung Kyaw.

The Central Statistics Office reported that the garment industry earned $994.

1 million in export revenue during the first quarter of the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Myanmar's garment industry is exporting to more than 80 countries, with major exports to Japan, Poland, Spain, Germany, Korea, the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, the US, France, Denmark, and Belgium, according to the Ministry of Commerce.