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The Employment Rights Act introduces major reforms to UK employment law, with changes being implemented in stages from December 2025 through to 2027.

Employment Rights Act

To all supporters of peace and democracy

Issue date

27 Sep 2007

OPEN LETTER

27 September 2007

To all supporters of peace and democracy

The Northern TUC, which represents half a million workers in the North East and Cumbria, is highly concerned about the recent events in Burma. As everyone has been able to witness through international media, protests in Burma, led by Buddhist monks and nuns, have been gathering momentum in recent days. The military junta has now reacted with ferocious assaults on the demonstrators. According to information which has been provided to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), one monk has been killed by the military on Wednesday 26 September, and violent confrontations have taken place in several locations, notably around the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon.

We are informed that on 26 September, some 700 students, monks and nuns were beaten by riot police with batons, and at least 20 teargas canisters and a similar number of live bullets were fired by police in the vicinity of the Pagoda. Other sources indicate that as many as four people may have been killed, and several hundred arrested.

We know from visits to our region by trade union leaders from Burma of the dreadful intimidation, harassment and state brutality exercised by the Junta on anyone who seeks to defend human rights and promote democracy in Burma. We support the efforts of incredibly courageous individuals and their organisations who stand up against this violent oppression.

The Northern TUC adds its voice to the peaceful protests by the Burmese people, which has had to live under a military regime intolerant of any dissent or opposition for more than four decades, in support of their legitimate and longstanding demands for more democracy in Burma. We strongly oppose any further violent repression of the ongoing protests, and call upon you to take all necessary steps to allow the restoration of democracy and full respect for human rights without delay. We pledge to maintain our support for the people of Burma in their quest for these fundamental rights.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Rowan

Regional Secretary

Northern TUC

Kenny Bell

Chair

Northern TUC International Forum

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