A Statement calling on sportswear giant Adidas to justify their involvement in Myanmar

– Ms. Cing Suan Lun

As peaceful protests against the military coup in Myanmar continue to be met by military violence. Today, I am standing here to call upon businesses in Myanmar to uphold their human rights responsibilities and apply pressure on the military junta to halt grave human rights violations against its own people and call on garment brands sourcing from Myanmar to publicly condemn the coup and take immediate action to support workers.

Around the world 775,000 workers, mainly women, in 1,200 factories across 65 countries make Adidas products. Almost all the jobs are outsourced to factories in poorer countries, yet through Adidas’ buying practices the company has enormous influence over their working conditions, and ultimately their lives.

In the run up of the recent military takeover in Myanmar, researchers have exposed the harsh reality of life for these workers. Today, Australia Myanmar Institute for Democracy, Human Rights and Peace want to highlight the appalling report that was experienced by the workers making Adidas goods in Myanmar. Further investigative research has revealed more stories of the abusive treatment of workers in in Myanmar factories.

Numbers of Adidas workers were suspended earlier this month and face losing their jobs – for participating in demonstrating against the military regime. Factories workers are now facing an appalling issue and were unable to defend their rights. Freedom of association, the right of workers to organise and bargain collectively, is an internationally recognised human right. It is recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the core standards of the International Labour Organisation and is the basic tool through which workers can defend and secure their rights. In their official codes of conduct for suppliers, Adidas state that their suppliers must respect the right of workers to organise and bargain collectively for wages.

Yet, for the workers making Adidas goods in Myanmar, this right is far from reality. In

Myanmar the trade unions that do exist are not given bargaining rights by the factory management. Adidas must stop the repression of trade unions throughout its supply chains and instead ensure a positive environment for trade union organising.

I urged that Adidas must take responsibility for this unacceptable treatment of workers’ basic dignity.

• Adidas must act to ensure that this is not allowed anywhere in their global supply chains.
• Adidas must ensure all workers to free from the fear of harassment and abuse.

Transcribed by: AMIDHRP Interpreter and Translation Bureau