Labor movement and Political Transition: A case study of Myanmar labor Movement during 2011 - 2015.

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine the Myanmar labor movement as that faces the challenges of the political transition in 2011-2015. For doing that, the author gathers the data of the labor movement, especially the protest events in studied period and apply the method of Protest Event Analysis (PEA) to evaluate the effect of political opportunity structure on the movement.

          The analysis shows that the political transition is an opportunity for the movement. In particular, the reduction of the level of state suppression and the opening of the institutional channels. The labor movement can mobilize resources to drive and grow rapidly. The same political structure also poses risks for the movement. In particular, the institutionalized of conflict management between labors and employers under state supervision and control. This makes the movement of Myanmar labour weaker and lack of democratic element in the movement.

          In this sense, political transition should be carefully considered. It is important to examine and understand in depth about the political structure that influences the social movement.