AWU - Protecting the Rights of Migrants Workers

                

                             AWU - Protecting the Rights of Migrants Workers

The Arakan Workers’ Union (AWU) was established in 2006. Its office is located in the town

of Mae Sot, in the North West of Thailand, about 10kms from the Friendship Bridge border

crossing to Burma. The word Arakan refers to the State of Arakan (or Rakhine), which is

located in the far west of Burma, adjacent to the border with Bangladesh. Its ethnic people

are known as the Arakanese of Burma (or Myanmar).

The AWU represents Burmese & Arakan ethnic migrant workers, especially those in the

Mae Sot area, which has a large number of garment factories and agriculture sites. It

advocates fair workplace rights on behalf of its members and also new migrants seeking

work opportunities in Thailand.

 Aim

In Tak province the migrant workers from myanmar need to get unity and achieve more workers’ rights in their jobs. Then they can be stronger and become a large workers group, which has a voice that can be heard. This is the aim of our organization.

                                    Activities

1. If one of the workers is inconvenient in any reasons or get out from work or not well,

to Perform for his staying.

2. In the new sewing  factory for the workers getting a job and to attend as apprentices as well as prepared for their apprenticeship accommodation.

3. To ask their wages and compensation when they are got out from the work unfairly                    and also to protect and perform For insulation, accusation, injuring and assaulted for these unfairness.

4. To attach and participate on democracy of Myanmar  with alliance organization to work together in these activities.

5. To raise up their knowledge and education, to make human rights training, discussion of health for HIV/AIDS and to distribute issues to give speech and participating in confrontation.

·                                                                                      


                                                                                                 AWU - Our objective

         Provide education to migrant workers regarding the labour laws of Thailand, human

·         rights, workers’ rights, the rights of women and children, occupational health and

·         safety issues, and the prevention of HIV.

·          

        Provide new migrants with vocational training, temporary accommodation and advice

·         regarding employment opportunities and workplace conditions.

·        

           Encourage unity within the workforce, promote freedom of speech and offer a forum

·         for discussion in order to resolve workplace issues.

·          

       Offer legal advice and support to migrant workers who are experiencing violations of

·         their rights, including physical abuse, intimidation, unfair dismissal, under payment of

·         minimum wage, withholding of salary and substandard living conditions.

·           

       Advocate the rights of migrant workers so they may work and live in Thailand with

·         dignity and freedom. Without fear of discrimination and persecution.

·        

            Preserve the culture and traditions of the Arakan and Burmese people, whilst

·         advocating for democracy and the protection of human rights in Myanmar.

Posted 30th July 2011 by maung