Labor groups in Yangon are voicing opposition to the Myanmar government’s plan to shorten the Thingyan public holiday period from 10 to five days.
The President’s Office announced last week that the holiday would officially be celebrated from April 13 to 17. The announcement said that the 10-day holiday was an impediment to office productivity, banking services, commerce and transportation.
In response to the announcement, the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar and other labor groups held a meeting yesterday with Labor Ministry permanent secretary Myo Aung in Yangon.
The groups argued that the shortening of the holiday amounted to turning a deaf ear to the voices of workers, who were not consulted before the decision was made. Some workers said they were prepared to organize a march to protest the decision.
According to Eleven, Tai Yi Labor Union chairman Moe Wai said at the meeting: “There should be a tripartite meeting between the government, employers and employees before the government makes such a decision. We oppose this announcement. Lowering the holiday to five days is not acceptable for workers as most of workers are from other regions and states.”
Civil servants have also called the decision unfair. Since the 10-day holiday was instituted in 2007, it has been customary among Myanmar people to visit their family members in other parts of the country. Many workers had already planned long trips when the holiday cut was announced.
Permanent secretary Myo Aung responded that workers are entitled to an additional five-day leave aside from the official five-day water festival period.
“I will meet with employers today to discuss the challenges presented by workers. If necessary, the ministry will issue orders and directives after negotiating with employers,” Myo Aung said.
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