Brussels, 27 August 2007: In a letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the ITUC has called on the UN Security Council to develop a firm and coordinated international response to the deteriorating situation in Burma. Latest reports indicate that some 65 people, including members of the National League for Democracy and human rights defenders, have been arrested by the military regime for taking part in peaceful protests over a recent five-fold increase in the price of fuel.

“On top of the burden of years of military dictatorship, Burmese people are now not able to meet even the basic cost of transportation to make a living, and the price of cooking fuel is now beyond reach for many”, said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder. “The UN Security Council put Burma on its agenda as a permanent item less than a year ago, and the Council needs to demonstrate real leadership. Without this, things can only get worse for Burmese workers and their families”, he added.

According to reports, the Military regime has deployed troops and armoured vehicles in various parts of the capital Rangoon and elsewhere in the country, and fears are growing that the regime will once again resort to heavy force in order to impose its will. In its appeal to Secretary General Ban, the ITUC asks him to use his authority to request the Security Council to meet and discuss the situation as a matter of urgency.

Founded on 1 November 2006, the ITUC represents 168 million workers in 153 countries and territories and has 305 national affiliates.

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