PSI is stepping up its global campaign to ensure that workers’ pension savings are not complicit in the brutal repression unfolding in Myanmar. Following the military coup of February 2021, the country has witnessed grave and systematic human rights violations, mass displacement, and the collapse of essential public services. In an unprecedented move, the International Labour Organization (ILO) invoked Article 33 sanctions in June 2025—its highest level of action—against Myanmar's military junta. It is only the third time in its history that ILO has used this extreme measure. This action follows the junta's failure to address findings of widespread forced labour and violations of freedom of association since the 2021 coup, prompting the ILO to urge global members to sever ties that support the military.

In this context, PSI is calling on unions worldwide to ensure that workers’ investments do not enable the junta’s abuses. We urge affiliates to act swiftly and decisively.

The campaign calls on trade unions and pension fund members to send a model letter to their pension trustees demanding an immediate review of investment portfolios. There is serious concern that workers’ retirement savings may be exposed to publicly traded companies—including POSCO, KDDI, Sumitomo, PTT/PTTEP, GAIL, ONGC, BEL, Sinotruk, and AviChina—that provide funds, arms, or technology linked to Myanmar’s military authorities. PSI stresses that pension funds must urgently check for such exposure and divest where necessary, in line with their human rights responsibilities and fiduciary duties.

This initiative reflects PSI’s broader commitment—reaffirmed at the 15th Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRECON) in Kathmandu—to stand in solidarity with Myanmar’s workers and people. With nearly millions of people requiring humanitarian assistance and millions already displaced, the stakes are extremely high.

Workers’ pensions should build secure futures and strong public services—not bankroll repression. Unions across the region are being called upon to translate solidarity into concrete financial action.

Model Union Letter to Pension Funds

PSI's Resolution During APRECON 2025

Unions' Actions on Divesting from Pension Funds Linked to Myanmar Military Junta:

Seventh Swedish National Pension Fund (AP7) excluding Indian, Thai and Japanese companies