Arakan Workers

we are helping Burmese migrant workers' right.

AWU - Our Mission • Provide education to migrant workers regarding the labour laws of Thailand, human rights, workers’ rights, the rights of women and children, occupational health and safety issues, and the prevention of HIV. • Provide new migrants with vocational training, temporary accommodation and advice regarding employment opportunities and workplace conditions. • Encourage unity within the workforce, promote freedom of speech and offer a forum for discussion in order to resolve workplace issues. • Offer legal advice and support to migrant workers who are experiencing violations of their rights, including physical abuse, intimidation, unfair dismissal, under payment of minimum wage, withholding of salary and substandard living conditions. • Advocate the rights of migrant workers so they may work and live in Thailand with dignity and freedom. Without fear of discrimination and persecution. • Preserve the culture and traditions of the Arakan people, whilst advocating for democracy and the protection of human rights in Myanmar.
AWU - Protecting the Rights of Migrants Workers The Arakan Workers’ Union (AWU) was established in 2006. Its office is located in the town of Mae Sot, in the North West of Thailand, about 10kms from the Friendship Bridge border crossing to Burma. The word Arakan refers to the State of Arakan (or Rakhine), which is located in the far west of Burma, adjacent to the border with Bangladesh. Its ethnic people are known as the Arakanese of Burma (or Myanmar). The AWU represents Burmese & Arakan ethnic migrant workers, especially those in the Mae Sot area, which has a large number of garment factories and agriculture sites. It advocates fair workplace rights on behalf of its members and also new migrants seeking work opportunities in Thailand.