Mizzima awarded global JTI certificate for reliable news on Myanmar

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Mizzima Mizzima, one of Myanmar ’s most prominent news outlets and a press freedom advocate, obtained the Journalism Trust Initiative ( JTI ) certification from global audit firm Bureau Veritas , JTI says in a press statement 5 January.  Operating in clandestine mode within Myanmar and supported by an exiled team, Mizzima strives to fulfil its role as reliable source of news and information for the Myanmar public. “Your Journalism Trust Initiative certification affirms what audiences already know: that principled, transparent journalism matters. Congratulations on this achievement and on your continued contribution to informing citizens about Myanmar,” says Benjamin Sabbah , director of Journalism Trust Initiative “Myanmar’s ongoing conflict has created an intensely contested media landscape, where mis- and disinformation are increasingly deployed to reinforce state propaganda and the prevailing “official” narrative. Although Mizzima is already regarded as one of the most trusted ...
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Tai Yai labour strike deadlocked

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Tuesday, 14 February 2012 12:14 Kyaw Kha

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Striking workers at the Tai Yai footware factory in Rangoon, the owner and government officials could not reach a settlement on Monday, as the strike went into its nineth day. Workers are asking for more pay and improved working conditions.

On February 9, workers at two nearby factories, the New Way footwear factory and the Thonehtutgyi garment factory, also staged strikes, which were quickly settled after a negotiated settlement.

However, a delegation of 38 workers from the Tai Yai factory, the factory’s Chinese owner and Director General Chit Shein of the  Labour department could not reach a negotiated settlement.

The strikers asked for an increase in basic pay to 216 kyat (US$ 0.27 cents) per hour from 75 kyat (10 cents) per hour. They reduced their demand to 150 kyat (19 cents) after the first negotiations failed. The factory owner offered 100 kyat (13 cents) per hour, which the workers rejected. The working hours at the factory are from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“Their stand is no more wage increase, take it or leave it,” Moe Wei, a strike leader told Mizzima.

The strikers demands include higher basic pay, removal of an absentee penalty fine, no deduction of wages from the cost of accidental damage of footwear on the production line, adequate drinking water and toilet facilities, and leave during family emergencies.

Under the current wage, many workers can’t make ends meet, they said.

“The rent for accommodation for each worker will cost them at least 8,000 Kyat (US$ 100),” said Moe Wei. “The cost for meals for each worker is about 25,000 kyat (US$ 31). So the total cost for their living expenses will reach more than 40,000 kyat (US$ 50). The highest wages they get is not more than 70,000 kyat (US$ 87) and they have no benefits and perks other than their wages.”

Most of the workers hail from central Burma, Rakhine, Shan and Irrawaddy regions and states. They come to Rangoon for jobs because there is little work in their home areas.

Mizzima contacted the Hlaing Tharyar Township Labour department and the Tai Yi footwear factory, but officials declined to answer questions.

A labour lawyer, Pho Phyu, who is advising the workers, said that he would represent them regarding legal matters until a settlement is reached.

The Tai Yi factory is owned by a Chinese national and since 2010, it has faced labour strikes for three years in row.

The strike this year is the longest so far.         

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