Dismissed Government Workers Struggle for their Survival

In December 2011, 90 mining workers were dismissed from their job without any compensation by the Namtu’s mining authorities in Bawdwin section, Namtu Township, Northern Shan State, Burma.
All the dismissed workers are now struggle to find work and live hand to mouth on a daily basis.
“Even though, we don’t have a daily job or we don’t have regular income, we have to pay our rent. Therefore, its very difficult to provide for our families. As a result, some families cannot support the cost of their children’s education” said by one of the dismissed miners.

Before the miners were dismissed from their jobs, they stayed at the government’s apartments rent free. But after the government sold Bawdin Mining to Asia World Company Limited, the miners are not allowed to stay without paying rent. Even though the law in Burma states that; workers that are dismissed in Burma have the right to get paid three times their monthly salary as compensation before they can be legally dismissed.  This rule was made by the government but they ignore it time and time again when it applies to them.
Human Rights Documentation and Information Department
Ta’ang Students and Youth Organization