BLSO History

Background
Due to the deteriorating economy, unstable political situation, and decade-long closure of the universities, the unemployment levels have dramatically increased in Burma under the Military Government's rule. Furthermore, extremely low wages and rocketing commodity prices make it increasingly difficult for the average citizen to provide for their daily needs. Taxes, porter fees, USDA (Union and Solidarity Development Association) fees, etc. place an additional burden on their survival.
This deterioration of living standards in Burma under the Military Government , SPDC (State Peace and Development Committee) has lead to an alarming rise in the numbers of Burmese leaving the country. Those who are able to obtain a passport find work abroad, usually illegally, and send money home. Most Burmese, however, flee to neighboring countries and become part of the growing illegal migrant labor pool. Those who are forced to flee to neighboring countries such as Thailand, India and China, hope to create a better life for their families. Increasingly, many more whole families, including the elderly and children, are crossing into Thailand than in the past. In addition, most of these workers no longer flee just from areas of ethnic struggle - such as the Karen and Shan areas - but also from urban and rural areas in Burma. Burmese from these areas include Moulmein and Thaton in Mon State, the Irradaddy Division, Bassien, and from as far as the Araken State. These are Civilian populations and have largely fled Burma since 1995; and significantly, since 1997.
Many of these Burmese have settled into a rapidly expending population along the Thai - Burma border, including a vast group of migrant workers forced into the manufacturing sectors in the Mae Sot area. In Mae Sot alone, there are over 60,000 Burmese workers, although presently their status in Thailand is insecure. (Beginning on 1 November 1999, Thai Authorities have begun a massive operation forcing the repatriation of thousands of Burmese "illegal" workers back into Burma.) Because they are illegal workers, they are subjected to very inferior living standards, including low wages, long hours, meager food supplies, difficult access to health care, social services and education, and are ill treated by their Thai employers. Often, men are mistreated, threatened and sometimes beaten, while women live with fear of beatings and rape. Children are often forced to provide for their family, and must forgo proper education to work these factories; they are especially susceptible to abuse. As more and more migrant workers seek job opportunities, their standard of living grows more desperate with each passing day.
This unprecedented influx of Burmese workers has placed tremendous burdens on the health and social care system in Mae Sot. Also, because they are illegally living in Thailand, the basic needs of thousands of people-unable to return to their homes, and forced to live under constant fear in Thailand - goes unmet.
In order to support the Burmese workers in Mae Sot, Thailand, The Youth workers' Organization was established on 1st June 1999, with the present situation in mind. It was organized by Burmese students / youth / workers along with fellow Burmese workers. The organization's main goal is to provide overall support for the thousands of migrant workers living in Mae Sot, and to offer them hope for their well-being and future. On 4 July 2000, The organization was expanded, forming The Burma Labor Solidarity Organization (BLSO) in order to represent the interests of internal workers and migrant Burmese workers around the world.