The Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business drafted a letter supporting the pro-democracy protestors of the Civil Disobedient Movement (CDM) fighting against the military takeover in the country. The letter signed by 20 multinationals with operations in Myanmar, including Facebook, Adidas, Nestlé and Australian petroleum company Woodside. ANZ Bank CEO Shayne Elliot refused to sign the letter.
The Finance Sector Union (FSU) Australia condemns the bank for standing on the sidelines when a brutal military dictatorship violates fundamental human rights and perpetuates violence on its citizens. FSU Victorian branch secretary Nicole McPherson wrote in her letter to ANZ CEO, urging the bank to support the people of Myanmar and uphold ethical and human rights obligations. The Australian Finance Sector Union reiterates the bank’s action is not acceptable and contrary in meeting the expectations of staff, customers, shareholders of ANZ or the Australian and international community.
During a parliamentary inquiry held on 16 April, Mr Elliot has justified his position in declining to sign a letter calling for a “swift resolution” to a series of deadly protests across Myanmar. He argued that its 33 staff in the Southeast Asian nation would be endangered, reports Australia’s The New Daily.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) condemns the Australian Government for ratifying Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, which included Myanmar, stressing that the Morrison Government should introduce sanctions and suspend ties with this brutal dictatorship and not deepening ties through the new trade agreement.
Refer to the related files below for FSU Letter and the ACTU Press release.
