Brussels, 15 April 2009: The ITUC welcomed the release of the five members of the Federation of Trade Unions of Burma (FTUB) who had been arrested on 1 April, after their return from the first FTUB Congress ever. It has now been confirmed that they returned safely to their homes in Rangoon on 10 April, albeit after having been warned to cease any dealings with the FTUB.

It was through international solidarity that the five were released. The ITUC therefore wants to acknowledge the rapid intervention, following its own request, of the Office of the ILO Director General, which resulted in this positive outcome. The FTUB extended its heartfelt thanks to the international labour movement as well, which had been very quick in mobilising itself and reacting to the arrests.

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation in the future through our colleagues in the FTUB", stated Guy Ryder.

The ITUC represents 170 million workers in 312 affiliated national organisations from 157 countries and territories. http://www.youtube.com/ITUCCSI

For more information please contact the ITUC Press Department on: +32 2 224 0204 or +32 476 621 018