Solidarity Trade Union of Myanmar shuts down after decade of advocacy

The Solidarity Trade Union of Myanmar (STUM)—one of the country’s most prominent independent labor organizations—has officially terminated all trade union activities due to severe financial difficulties.

The closure marks the first complete suspension of operations for the non-profit since its founding in 2016.

While formal organizational operations have ceased, STUM leadership confirmed that key organizers will attempt to provide individual assistance, legal counsel, and advice in an independent capacity to workers facing wrongful termination or labor rights violations.

A devastating blow to industrial workers

The dissolution leaves thousands of industrial workers, particularly in Yangon’s massive garment manufacturing sector, without access to vital institutional support and collective representation.

• Loss of Free Legal & Mediation Services: Workers in Yangon’s industrial zones expressed deep concern over the loss of cost-free dispute resolution, mediation, and legal defense services previously provided by STUM during negotiations with factory management.
• Intensified Workplace Surveillance: Labor rights activists emphasize that independent organizing has become nearly impossible under the military regime, which has subjected trade unions to continuous surveillance, raids, and criminal prosecution since the February 2021 military coup.

“There will be less opportunities to receive free legal and mediation services on labor rights issues,” a Yangon garment factory worker told DVB on condition of anonymity.

Systemic regime rpression and wave of arrests

STUM’s financial crisis and ultimate operational collapse follow years of persistent harassment and targeted detentions by regime forces.

Regime Repression Timeline Against STUM
├── Feb 2021: Regime declares 16 labor unions "illegal," forcing STUM underground
├── 2024: Mass arrests target STUM organizers and local business owners hosting union meetings
├── July 2025: 10 STUM members, including founder Myo Myo Aye, arrested in nighttime raids
└── Oct 2025 – Feb 2026: STUM leaders conditionally released under heavy bail & court injunctions

• Targeting Leadership: In July 2025, regime forces raided the home of STUM founder Myo Myo Aye and arrested her along with nine other union members. Charged under Section 5 of the Law Concerning Recidivism, the members were held in Insein Prison before being conditionally released between October 2025 and February under strict court injunctions and high monetary bail bonds that restricted their ability to organize.
• Broad Scope of Persecution: Regime sweeps have extended far beyond union organizers. In a 2024 case, regime forces arrested not only union members advocating for minimum wage adjustments but also a local tea shop owner who had rented space to workers for union meetings.

A decade of impact (2016–2026)

Founded during Myanmar’s brief period of democratic transition, STUM served as a primary defender of basic labor standards, safety protocols, and fair wage demands across the country’s manufacturing hubs.

The closure of STUM highlights the ongoing erosion of civil society and labor protections under military rule, leaving Myanmar’s workforce increasingly vulnerable to systemic exploitation, wage theft, and uncompensated terminations.