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For more than three months, the people of Myanmar have been fighting against the tyranny of the military. Peaceful protesters within the Civil disobedience movements (CDM) to the "Spring Revolution".

Since the beginning of the takeover by the military on February 1, according to the AAPP (Assistance Association for Political Prisoners759 civilians were murdered by the coup. Activists and trade unionists are the focus of the persecution. In mid-March, the military regime declared a number of labour rights organizations illegal, including eight partner organizations of the Clean clothes campaign. In order to avoid reprisals and arrests, most people only have to go underground.

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Since the military coup on 1 February 2021, people in Myanmar have been resisting the military takeover, with street rallies, strikes and noise protests. Workers from all sectors of the economy join the protests and the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). Textile workers also follow the resistance to restore democracy and call for international solidarity.

In the Indian state of Karnataka, with its stronghold of the textile industry Bengaluru, drastic changes to an important working process are about to be implemented. The so-called Factories Bill 2023, Karnataka Amendment It replaces a standard that has been in force to date. Important labour law achievements such as the abolition of night shifts or the introduction of 8-hour days are to be lifted. The amended law is intended to give suppliers more leeway to react more flexibly to orders. The labour law organization Cividep expects significant deteriorations in working conditions for thousands of female employees.

Korail Dhaka 2024 © FEMNET | Sina Marx

A serious fire broke out in the informal district of Korail in Dhaka on 25 November. Around 1,500 homes were destroyed or damaged, and around 6,000 people lost their homes, including many textile workers. The fire hit the residents in an already tense situation, just a few days after an earthquake shook the region.

The tyranny of the military threatens the once thriving clothing sector and more than half a million jobs.

After two years of travel, Daniela Wawrzyniak, coordinator of FEMNET foreign projects, and Gisela Burckhardt, CEO of FEMNET, travelled to Tirupur in Tamil Nadu and Bangalore for 10 days from 22 May to 1 June 2022. They visited our partner organizations SAVE, READ, Munnade, GLU and Cividep and bring many impressions with them.

With the executions of the four activists at the end of July, the violence of the military regime in Myanmar has reached a new, sad climax. De facto head of government Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to another six years in prison. The situation of Myanmar's textile workers is also becoming increasingly threatening. Raids and arrests in the factories are on the rise. At the same time, labour rights are curtailed, wages are cut and unrealistic production targets are set.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the precarious working conditions of female migrant workers in the Indian textile industry. A study by the organization READ (Rights Education And Development Centre) documents the situation of migrant women in Tamil Nadu and shows worsening working conditions.

At the end of October 2025, Bangladesh reached a significant milestone: The government has ratified ILO Convention No. 190, which prohibits violence and harassment in the world of work. In doing so, the country is committed to an internationally recognised intellectual property right for all workers.

India is currently the world's most affected country by the coronavirus. The high number of cases and deaths and the resulting lockdowns have a serious impact on textile workers. According to FEMNET's partner organizations, these are under a high psychological burden. In addition, they are exposed to an increased risk of infection due to their work and housing situation. The restrictions also lead to the accumulation of child labour.

On 1 February 2021, the military couped in Myanmar, arrested the elected members of the government and took power. Four days later, a general strike began with numerous street protests, known as the Civil Disobedience Movement. At the forefront are Myanmar's textile workers. To this day, their protest is violently suppressed, trade unionists arrested and killed. International brands must act and stop production in Myanmar to weaken the military regime.

Mass protests and police violence have increased daily since the military coup in Myanmar. People need our solidarity and support. An overview of the events and how they affect textile workers and trade unionists.

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Despite the arrest of labor rights activist Myo Myo Aye: Myanmar workers continue to resist

Call for donations for trade union members and employees in Myanmar

Revision of the factory law in Karnataka and its consequences for workers, brands and suppliers in the clothing sector

Fire in the informal district of Korail in Dhaka – thousands of textile workers homeless

Myanmar: Thousands of workers fleeing to an uncertain future

First trip to India since Corona - lively exchange with FEMNET partner organisations

Overtime, Surveillance and Violence - On the Current Situation in Myanmar

Study: Consequences of the coronavirus pandemic for migrant workers in the textile industry Tamil Nadus

Bangladesh ratifies ILO Convention 190 - milestone against violence in the workplace

India's Lockdowns Lead to Child Labour and Significant Mental Stress on Textile Workers

International brands must act and stop production in Myanmar

What is happening in Myanmar? #WhatisHappening-inMyanmar?

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